Improvising the value chain management of Dates to lessen the burden of Anaemia in rural and semi-urban areas

Abstract

This research project aims to understand the existing gaps in the current value chain of Dates in India, right from the producer’s end till the final product reaches the consumers. In tandem, the prevalence of Anaemia in rural and semi-urban areas in India is reviewed and an analysis on the role of dates in being a healthy and nutritious snack, particularly focusing on improving haemoglobin and iron levels in the body is performed. The aim of the study is to suggest value chain improvements at various functions & stakeholder levels and also, provide affordable product solutions like syrups or candies, to ultimately aid in reducing the burden of iron deficiency (nutritional) anaemia among the country’s population, especially among children and women. Date or date palm fruit, a delicious, sweet summer delight is nutrient dense food rich in natural sugars providing high iron content, can enhance production of red blood cells in the body. A powerhouse of nutrients, rich in fibers vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it can help build immunity, improve bone health and prevent certain chronic illnesses. A detailed critical analysis has been carried out on the Indian date value chain with regards to date cultivation, production, post-harvest operations, processing and marketing via local traders. Challenges faced by stakeholders at each value chain segment have been highlighted, which eventually impact the end consumption. A thorough analysis of global market landscape with regards to date cultivation and international trade has been carried out. The analysis highlights the various practices, programmes and developments undertaken by the key producer and exporter countries, particularly Arab Countries which makes them market leaders in dates cultivation, processing and trading in the world. The study reviews Indian and Global Dates brands with regards to their key practices, accreditations and key products. This helps to perform a comparative analysis on how international brands focused on cultivation practices, procurement standards, operations development, accreditation acquisition and exclusive product innovations that makes them pioneers in the dates market. There were a few Indian key brands dedicated towards dates processing, but most of them were premium, and it was found dates are majorly consumed in loose packets in rural and semi-urban areas. India still has a long way to go in terms of building established dates brands equipped with standard facilities, processes and certifications. Existing date-based products in the Indian market were reviewed and consumer preferences were analyzed which helped to build a plan to harness date-based new product development opportunities for the Indian market, tailored especially for rural and semi-urban areas. After reviewing the findings, a comparative analysis benchmarking international countries and brands is performed and key improvements in the existing value chain of dates in India were recommended.