Project Description

The project envisaged up-gradation /revival of existing Model Date Factory” located at Turbat, Balochistan. The process included the following:

Storage
Fumigation
Sorting
Cleaning & Washing
Drying
Heat Treatment /Curing
Grading
Pitting / Paste Making
Packing

Location
Turbat, Balochistan

Land Area
2 Acres provided by Government of Balochistan

Project Cost (approved)
Rs. 24.127 million

Date of Approval
19-05-2004

EDF Approved Funds
Rs. 15.000 million

Current Cost Estimate
Rs. 50.000 million

Management Set-up

A private limited company had been formed to implement and operate the project. The Board of Directors consists of the directors from PHDEB, Agriculture Department NWFP, TDAP and the private sector people/growers. The day to day affairs of the project are to be run by the staff to be hired from the market.

Project Capacity

Processing of 2000 tons of raw dates based on 120 days operation in a year i.e. one ton per hour. Begum Jangi is a medium sized, tasty juicy having good flavor.

Current Status

The project originally envisaged renovation & up-gradation of already established model date processing factory located in Turbat. Later on, it emerged that due to some legal issues involved, it was not possible to change its status. Therefore, land was provided by Balochistan Government in the date research farm vicinity. The project implementation was delayed because of above and other reasons. Tenders for civil works had been floated and are under evaluation.

The delay in project execution has resulted in exorbitant increase in its cost. For implementation of the project, private sector investors are invited to join PHDEB on mutually acceptable terms.

Projected Financial Results*

(Rs.in million)

IFRR = 10.1%

BEP = 64%

Payback Period = 8.0 Years

* Theses are based on the study prepared in 2004

Expected Project Benefits

• Increased and Extended Product Availability : Reduction of produce losses/waste, thus resulting in better supplies during and relatively stable prices.

• Employment Opportunities : The development and operation of the project will create direct as well as indirect jobs, resulting in improved per capita income and ultimately a better living standard for people of the area.

• Improvement of Quality of Foodstuffs : Cleaning / Processing of dates will help in preserving their quality and improvement of shelf life.

• Industrial Development : The establishment of the project will also induce other people to make investment in such activities which may result in development of allied industries i.e. engineering and packing.