Rajkot: The Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kutch University has developed an indigenous process to convert fresh dates into dry dates, which is now ready to be transferred to local farmers for commercial gains.
The development assumes significance in wake of the deteriorating trade relation between India and Pakistan which has impacted import of dry dates from the neighbouring country over past few months. India is the largest importer of dry dates and dates pulp from Pakistan.
The team from chemistry department of Kutch university had developed the new method of dehydrating fresh dates after research of three months. The university officials believe that by preparing dry dates in India, the farmer will not only be able to earn more, but it will also save millions of dollars in imports.
Kutch is one of the largest producer of dates in India with 19 lakh trees cultivated over over 10,000 hectare land.
The team from chemistry department of Kutch University after testing in laboratory has finalized the processes to convert fresh dates into dry dates.
Vijay Ram, assistant professor of the chemistry department said, “It was union minister Parshottam Rupala who had first suggested us to develop such a method which could save import cost. Kutch is the highest producer of dates in the country but we didn’t have method to convert it into the dry dates and dates pulp till date. We were heavily dependent on Pakistan whose dry dates import share 46%.”
An MSc chemistry student Aarti Luhar has developed the a method where farmers can dehydrate the dates using series of chemical processes in a small plant, said Ram, adding that Gujarat already has successful model in dehydration of onion and garlic.
“The dry dates conversation is depend on temperature. The plant installation is not costly and nearly 50% dates farmers will be able to afford it. The government too may announce some subsidy for setting up the plant in future as it can save millions of dollars,” said Ram.
The fresh dates cultivated in Kutch is mostly consumed in the domestic market. It is sold at Rs 80 to 100 per kg. However, the price of dry dates begins from Rs 200 per kg and during peak festive season it touches Rs 400 per kg.
Girin Baxi, head of chemistry department of Kutch University said, “In 2018 India imported dates worth $248 million from 40 countries while in 2016-17 the imports of dry dates was worth $190 million. The imports were mainly from Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, UAE and Oman. In 2016-17 India’s imports of dry dates from Pakistan was $87.98 million.”
According to varsity all varieties of dates grown in Kutch can be converted into the dry dates with the new method developed by the university.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com