Senate seeks PM intervention over Khairpur Dates Research Centre

Islamabad: A major agriculture research project aimed at improving Pakistan’s date production has faced a setback after the proposed Dates Research Centre in Khairpur was excluded from the Public Sector Development Programme 2026 and 2027, prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research to demand immediate reconsideration of the decision.

The committee expressed concern that a project designed to improve date farming, develop disease-resistant varieties, increase exports and support farmers was left out due to financial limitations. The matter was discussed during the 29th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, MNA, at Parliament House Islamabad.

Officials informed the committee that the joint project of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur for establishing the Dates Research Centre could not be included in the PSDP 2026 and 2027 because of limited financial resources.

The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the committee that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research had prioritized only three new development schemes for inclusion in the national development programme, leaving several important projects outside the plan.

The committee strongly disagreed with the decision and highlighted the importance of the dates sector for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. Members noted that Pakistan is among the leading date producers, and a dedicated research centre could help farmers increase production, fight crop diseases, improve quality, develop new varieties and boost the country’s share in international markets.

The committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to formally approach the Ministry of Planning and request a review of the decision. The committee also decided to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss establishing the Dates Research Centre through cooperation between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur.

During the proposed meeting with the Prime Minister, the committee also plans to discuss other major agriculture challenges including wheat imports, setting a fair minimum support price for wheat, providing DAP fertilizer subsidies similar to regional countries and investigating reasons behind wheat shortages despite earlier reports of surplus stocks.

The committee said agricultural development requires long term planning and research facilities to support farmers and improve food security. The meeting also reviewed concerns regarding artificial sweeteners and flavored drinks, especially their possible health effects on children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Officials informed the committee that earlier recommendations were made after findings from the National Institutes of Health highlighted possible health risks linked with excessive consumption of such products. The committee was informed that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners and flavoured drinks may contribute to health problems, including an increased risk of diabetes and other serious diseases.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction over delays in implementing earlier recommendations and directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to urgently review existing regulations. PSQCA was directed to hold a meeting in Islamabad involving committee members, health officials, NIH representatives, mango growers and other stakeholders.

The committee instructed that revised standards should include clear product labels, prevention of misleading claims, visible health warnings, proper expiry date information, suitable fruit pulp requirements and regulations for plastic bottle usage. The National Institutes of Health was also directed to provide scientific evidence regarding health impacts and international guidelines to help improve the regulatory framework.