SMEDA Dates Processing Plant

Pre-Feasibility Study
DATES PROCESSING PLANT
Turn Potential into Profit

Small & Medium Enterprise Development
Authority
Government of Pakistan
http://www.smeda.org.pk
Lahore
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, 6th Floor, LDA Plaza, Egerton Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: 92-42-111-111-456 Fax: 92-42-6304926, Email: helpdesk@smeda.org.pk
Karachi
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, 5th floor, Bahria Complex-II
Moulvi Tameezuddin Khan Road, Karachi
Tel : 92-21-111-111-456, 5610432, 5610536, 5610459, Fax: 92-21-5610572
Email: helpdesk-khi@smeda.org.pk
Peshawar
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Ground Floor, Statelife Building, The Mall, Peshawar
Cantt.
Tel: 92-91-111-111-456, 92-91-9213046-7 Fax: 92-91-286908, Email: helpdesk-pew@smeda.org.pk
Quetta
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Bunglow No.15-A Chaman Housing Scheme, Airport
Road, Quetta
Tel: 92-81-831702, 92-81-831623 Fax: 92-81-831922, Email: helpdesk-qta@smeda.org.pk
February, 2009
PREF-14/January, 2009
Dates Processing Plant
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................2
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
CURRENT INDUSTRY STRUCTURE ...............................................................................................5

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
MAJOR DATES IMPORTING C OUNTRIES OF THE WORLD ...................................................................10

MAJOR DATES EXPORTING COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD ..................................................................11
DATES EXPORTS FROM PAKISTAN ..................................................................................................11
IMPORT OF DATES IN PAKISTAN.....................................................................................................11
PROCESSING.....................................................................................................................................12
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
DATES PRODUCING AREAS OF PAKISTAN .........................................................................................5

PROCUREMENT SEASONS ................................................................................................................6
PAKISTANS DATES PRODUCTION ....................................................................................................6
PROVINCE WISE DATES PRODUCTION ...............................................................................................7
DATES PRODUCTION IN BALOCHISTAN ............................................................................................8
MAJOR VARIETIES OF DATES PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN ..................................................................9
EXISTING MARKETING SCENARIO...............................................................................................9

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
PROJECT BRIEF ...............................................................................................................................2

OPPORTUNITY R ATIONALE ..............................................................................................................3
VIABLE ECONOMIC SIZE (PROCESSING CAPACITY)...........................................................................3
PLANT AND MACHINERY .................................................................................................................3
TOTAL PROJECT COST .....................................................................................................................4
PROJECT OUTPUT ......................................................................................................................4
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS ..................................................................................................................4
STORAGE OF RAW MATERIAL .........................................................................................................12

FUMIGATION ................................................................................................................................12
INITIAL SORTING ..........................................................................................................................13
CONVEYER BELT ..........................................................................................................................13
WASHING .....................................................................................................................................13
DRYING ........................................................................................................................................13
GRADING......................................................................................................................................13
PACKAGING ..................................................................................................................................13
PROJECT INPUTS.............................................................................................................................14
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
PROPOSED CAPACITY ....................................................................................................................14

LAND ...........................................................................................................................................14
SUITABLE LOCATIONS ...................................................................................................................14
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................14
OFFICE AND EQUIPMENT ...............................................................................................................15
HUMAN RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................................16
DUTIES OF THE UNSKILLED LABOUR ...............................................................................................16
DUTIES OF SKILLED LABOUR ..........................................................................................................16
INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENT ..................................................................................................16
LAND AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT .......................................................................................17
PROJECT ECONOMICS...................................................................................................................18
7.1
7.2
7.3
PROJECT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ..........................................................................................19

8.1
PROJECT COST ..............................................................................................................................18

PROJECT RETURNS ........................................................................................................................18
CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROJECT ...........................................................................................18
STATEMENT SUMMARIES ..............................................................................................................19
KEY ASSUMPTIONS.........................................................................................................................24
PREF-13/February, 2009
DISCLAIMER
The purpose and scope of this information memorandum is to introduce the subject matter
and provide a general idea and information on the said area. All the material included in this
document is based on data/information gathered from various sources and is based on certain
assumptions. Although, due care and diligence has been taken to compile this document, the
contained information may vary due to any change in any of the concerned factors, and the
actual results may differ substantially from the presented information. SMEDA does not
assume any liability for any financial or other loss resulting from this memorandum in
consequence of undertaking this activity. Therefore, the content of this memorandum should
not be relied upon for making any decision, investment or otherwise. The prospective user of
this memorandum is encouraged to carry out his/her own due diligence and gather any
information he/she considers necessary for making an informed decision.
The content of the information memorandum does not bind SMEDA in any legal or other
form.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document NO.
PREF-13
Prepared by
SMEDA-Balochistan
Approved by
Provincial Chief
Issue Date
February, 2009
1
PREF-13/ February, 2009
IN TR ODUCTION
Dates have been cultivated since ancient times in various parts of the world. Normally it
thrives under the rigorous climate of sub-tropical desert. Date processing enjoys a high
economic importance in the world. Dates are among the most valuable fruits and consumed
in large quantity, all across the world. Date is an erect palm to 100 or 120 ft (30.5-36.5 m),
the trunk clothed from the ground up with upward pointing, overlapping, persistent, woody
leaf bases. After the first 6 to 16 years, numerous suckers will arise around its base. The
feather-like leaves, up to 20 ft (6 m) long, are composed of a spiny petiole, a stout midrib,
and slender, gray-green or bluish-green pinnae 8 to 16 in (20-40 cm) long, and folded in half
lengthwise. Each leaf emerges from a sheath that splits into a network of fibers remaining at
the leaf base. Small fragrant flowers (the female whitish, the male waxy and cream colored),
are borne on a branched spadix divided into 25 to 150 strands 12 to 30 in (30-75 cm) long on
female plants, only 6 to 9 in (15-22.5 cm) long on male plants. One large inflorescence may
embrace 6,000 to 10,000 flowers. Some date palms have strands bearing both male and
female flowers; others may have perfect flowers. As the fruits develop, the stalk holding the
cluster may elongate 6 ft (1.8 m) while it bends over because of the weight. The fruit is
oblong, 1 to 3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) long, dark-brown, reddish, or yellowish-brown when ripe with
thin or thickish skin, thick, sweet flesh (astringent until fully ripe) and a single, cylindrical,
slender, very hard stone grooved down one side.
Dates are unique as they constitute a set of properties and characteristics, which distinguish
them from all major fruits. It is consumed in at least three major stages of majority: from
fresh, crisp to succulent, to soft pliable. A fully tree ripened date is self-preserving for months
and can be stored or transported as a concentrated food source. Most of the dozen or more
species of the genus Phoenix (family Palmae) are grown as ornamental palms indoors or out.
Only the common date, P. dactylifera L., is cultivated for its fruit. Often called the edible
date, it has few alternate names except in regional dialects. To the French, it is dattier; in
German, it is dattel; in Italian, datteri; or dattero; in Spanish, datil; and, in Dutch, dadel. The
Portuguese word is tamara. In Saudi Arabia it is Nahil and in Pakistan it is called Kajoor in
Urdu.
1.1
Project Brief
The proposed project is about establishing a Dates Processing & Packaging plant. The Dates
processing project is aiming at value addition, to increase the quality and shelf life of Dates.
Its processing includes fumigation, sorting washing, drying, grading and finally packaging.
The entire process flow is suggested to be semi automatic requiring both skilled and unskilled
workers. The proposed project has market edge of supplying hygienically treated Dates to
various parts of the country and also has an export potential. Further value addition to
processed Dates could be done through glazed or stuffed with nuts/sweets, chocolate, and
especially designed packaging has an additional marketing edge.
Dates processing unit established in trading hub will also provide services to other
traders/exporters of Dates, this is another aspect of this establishment as service provider to
third party.
2
1.2
Oppo rtunity Rationa le
The Dates fruit, which is produced largely in the hot arid region of southern Asia and North
Africa, is marketed all over the world as a high value confectionery or fruit, and remains an
extremely important subsistence crop in most of the desert regions. Major producers of Date
are Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Algeria, Sudan, Oman, Libya
etc.
Dates are one of the most important cash fruit crops of Pakistan. Dates are cultivated over an
area of 81,991ha in Pakistan with an annual production of 0.496 million tons in year 2005-06.
Most of the Dates produced in Pakistan is cultivated in Balochistan and Sindh provinces.
Major Dates producing areas in the country are Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar, Khairpur, and D.I.
Khan.
Balochistan contributes considerably to the date production of the country and it is having a
50% share of the total production. This quantity not only signifies the importance of the date
crop as raw yield but also its value addition to exhaust excessive availability and to tap
international market to fetch more foreign exchange. Mekran Belt is having a significant
share to the gross date production of Balochistan. It has a 45% share of the total countrys
production. The region has been historically renowned by the production of different varieties
of Dates. Climatic and geographical location of this region is most suitable for the growth of
Dates palm and produces high quality yield.
Pakistan is the 5th major date producer and fourth largest date exporter of the world. Major
buyers of Pakistani Dates include India, Canada, USA, Germany, UK, Denmark, Australia,
Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Dubai, Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea
etc.
Dry or soft Dates are used directly or with fillings of almonds, walnuts, candied orange and
lemon peel. They are used in Arab breads, cakes and other dessert items. Recent innovations
include chocolate-covered Dates and products like sparkling Dates juice, used in some
Islamic countries, for special and religious occasions such as Ramadan.
The overall market share of Pakistani Dates in the world is around 18%, which is a huge
proportion. Dates grown in Pakistan have a huge national and international market demand
regardless of the fact that major share of our export fetch low value because of substandard,
irregular processing and lack of value addition.
1.3
Viable Eco no mic Size (Pro cessing Capacity)
This designed study proposed a plant with 200kgs per hour processing capacity. The
proposed capacity would be viable under the mentioned parameters. The total operational
days of plant are calculated as 300 days per annum or 25days a month with 10hrs shift per
day. Under these assumptions the proposed plant would be producing 2000kgs of processed
Dates per day and annual production would be 600,000kgs.
1.4
Pla nt a nd Machinery
The recommended machinery for Dates processing plant is:

Machinery Type:
Semi-Automatic
Plant Capacity:
2000Kgs/10 hrs
3
Availability:
1.5
Local
Tota l Pro ject Cost
Total project cost for setting up a Dates processing unit is estimated to be Rs. 20.321 Million.
The total cost is composed of 18.143 Million of capital cost, and 2.178 Million of working
capital cost.
1.6
PROJECT OUTPUT
The end product would be hygienically washed, treated, graded and packaged Dates in short
the processed Dates. The Dates will be treated and packed on internationally acceptable
standards, hence improving the quality of Dates. Such processed Dates have export potential
and will certainly increase the capital inflows of the economy.
1.7
Key Success Factors
Traditionally the Dates from Balochistan and other parts of the country are distributed
through a well established network of dry fruits mandies without any treatment, which in
cumulates huge loss inform of taste, shape and unhygienic conditions. Whereas proposed
facility encourages processed and hygienically packed Dates that will not only enhance the
shelf life, minimize losses and will fetch good profits.
The main success factors for the facility are:
I. Availability of raw material at low prices,
II. Little competition as no such facility is present in the Dates producing areas, and
III. Hygienically treated, packed and high Quality Dates will bring more revenues from
exports and even from the local market.
4
CURRENT IN DUSTRY STR UC TURE
The table given below ranks the Dates producing countries of the world.
Table 2
Major Dates Producing Countries
S.No
COUNTRY
ANNUAL DATES PRODUCTION

IN TONNES (2004-05)
Egypt
Iran
880,000
Saudi Arabia
830,000
United Arab Emirates
760,000
Pakistan
650,000
Iraq
650,000
Algeria
450,000
Sudan
330,000
Oman
240,000
10
Libya
140,000
11
Others
140,000
1,100,000
Source: FAO STAT 2005
2.1
Dates Producing Areas of Pakista n
Date is a growing business both locally as well as globally. Pakistan is the fifth largest Dates
producing country worldwide. The production of Dates in Pakistan was around 650,000
metric tons in year 2004-05, where as a decline was observed from 650,000 metric tons to
496,576 metric tons in 2005-06.
Table 2-1
Province wise Dates production
PROVINCE
AREA
( Hectares)
PRODUCTION
(Tones) 2005-06
Balochistan
48136
252,317
Sindh
26681
192,810
Punjab
5797
42,580
N.W.F.P
1377
8,869
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Pakistan.
5
The table shows that Balochistan has dedicated the largest area for the production of Dates as
compare to other provinces of Pakistan hence producing half of countrys total date
production.
2.2
Procurement Sea sons
The procurement seasons for the different kinds of Dates are listed in a table below
Table 2-2
Province wise Procurement Seasons of Dates
Province
Balochistan
Sindh
Province
Variety
Procurement Period
Begum Jhangi
Mazawati
Gogna
Jansor
Deshtiari
Kharaba
Assil
20th August 30th September

1 st September 30th September
15th July 7th August
20th August 15th September
15thJuly 7th August
1 st October 30th November
25th July 31st August
Fasil
Karbalai
Kubra
Valeti
Assil
15th July 7th August

-----//----------//----------//-----25th July 31st August
Variety
Procurement Period
Punjab
Dorn
1 st August 31st August
NWFP
Dhakki
7th August 31 st August
The above mentioned procurement periods may vary by 10 20 days due to climatic
conditions. The mentioned purchased period is considered as most suitable with reference to
freshness and bargain opportunity of the stock.
Pakistans Dates Production
2.3
Pakistan is basically an agriculture based economy and having multi crop supportive agro
ecological zones. In 2005-06, Pakistan produced 496,576 tonnes of Dates on an area of
81,700 hectares. The over all date production of Pakistan is dividend over the four provinces.
6
2.4
Province wise Dates production
Among all other provinces, Balochistan is the major contributor of the over all dates
production in Pakistan. Balochistan produces around 50% (252,317 tonnes, 2005-06) of total
Pakistans production, where as Sindh produces around 192,810 tonnes, Punjab 42,580
tonnes and NWFP 8,869 tonnes.
Provinces wise Percentage of Dates Production in year2005-06
9%
2%
Balochistan
Sindh
50%
Punjab
39%
N.W.F.P
7
2.5
Dates Production in Balo chistan
Balochistan produces 252,317 tonnes of Dates annually and this output comes from different
areas of the province. Many districts of Balochistan have supportive agro ecological zones for
the production of Dates. The table listed below includes district wise production of Dates,
along with the area under cultivation.
Table 2-5
Dates Producing Areas of Balochistan
District
Panjgoor
Turbat
Kharan
Gwadar
Khuzdar
Chagai
Bolan
Sibi
Lasbella
Nasirabad
Jhal Magsi
Jaffarabad
Total
Area
( Hectares)
19955
24207
1121
1874
548
287
45
25
25
24
15
10
48,136
Production
(Tones)
97700
140576
4436
7480
140
1596
91
30
68
116
34
50
252,317
According to the data Turbat, Panjgoor, and Gawadar are among the major producers of
Dates in the province.
8
2 .6
Ma jor Varieties of Dates Production in Pakistan
It is reported that around 300 varieties of Dates are being produced in Pakistan. Among the
varieties Begam Jangi of Balochistan, Aseel of Sindh and Dhakki of Dera Ismail Khan has
great demand in international and widely acceptable in our local market. This is very
unfortunate that we are not optimizing demand and lagging behind the real profit due to lack
of processing facilities.
The origins of major varieties, which are mainly produced, are as under
Table 2-6
Various Varieties of Dates in Pakistan
Province
Variety
Balochistan
Begum Jhangi, Mazawati, Gogna,

Jansor, Deshtiari, Kharaba, Assil
Sindh
Fasil, Karbalai, Kubra, Valeti, Assil
Punjab
Dorn
NWFP
Dakki
The table shows diversified varieties of Dates produced in our country. The availability of
different varieties calls for establishment of Dates processing plants in order to exploit
countys domestic resources optimally.
Existing Marketing Scenario
The date fruit, which is produced largely in the hot arid region of southern Asia and North
Africa, is marketed all over the world as a high value confectionery or fruit, and remains an
extremely important subsistence crop in most of the desert regions.
Date trading is a growing business both locally as well as globally, annual world production
of Date was 6.7 Million Tons in 2004 (FAO Statistics). Pakistan is the fifth largest Dates
producing country of the world. The production of Dates in Pakistan was around 496,576
metric tons in year 2005-06 whereas in the same year the production of Dates in Balochistan
was 252,317metric tons.
Demand potential for the Dates is quite high because of its association with the religious
events of both Hindus and Muslims within the country and out side the neighbouring
countries. For Islamic countries Holly month of Ramadan is the peak season of Dates
consumption, whereas as per nutritional values, its products are used round the year. Dates
are well known for its nutrition and high vitamin contents of A, B and C, it also has high
9
mineral contents, and carbohydrates. Dried Dates contain 1.9 percent protein, 70.6 percent
carbohydrates, 2.5 percent fat, 13 percent water, 1.2 percent minerals and 10 percent fibre.
3.1 Majo r Dates Importing Countries of the world
The total trade in Dates is more than half a billion dollars. This figure is not very big, yet the
historical pattern shows an increasing trend of trade in Dates. The world wide demands for
Dates makes this fruit an attractive option to grow, process and export.
Table 3-1
Dates Importing Countries
WORLD IMPORT OF DATES (QUANTITY: THOUSAND

METRIC TONNES)
Name of County
1998
1999
2000
World
556
655
478
Australia
3.7
5.3
4.1
Bangladesh
13.4
19.2
15.0
Canada
5.7
5.2
40
China
4.1
6.5
6.6
Hong Kong
4.5
3.8
5.9
France
22.8
20.8
23.5
Germany
6.1
6.0
6.5
India
244.0
238.2
192.6
Indonesia
9.0
10.0
13.3
Italy
6.2
6.1
6.4
Malaysia
10.0
13.8
2.8
Niger
5.8
9.0
8.6
Pakistan
30.6
23.0
29.5
Russian Federation
2.8
5.2
8.8
Spain
4.9
5.0
5.3
Sri Lanka
7.9
14.5
10.0
Turkey
5.4
3.7
8.5
U.A.E.
100.0
180.0
43.9
United Kingdom
10.1
13.5
10.4
U.S.A.
3.6
5.0
4.6
Source: FAO/UN
10
Looking at the major buying countries in 1999, INDIA was the largest importer with market
share of 30%. All the major importers fall in the category of developed countries with
exception of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although Pakistan is the fifth largest producer
of Dates yet it is among the importers list just due to lack of modern production techniques,
well organized post harvest management and processing facilities.
Ma jor Dates Ex porting Countries of the world
3.2
Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunsia, UAE, Iraq, Algeria, Israel, France, Egypt are the top
exporting countries of Dates; Iran produces about 900,000 metric tons of Dates, which
accounts for around 14 percent of global output. It has 214,000 hectares of palm trees under
cultivation and 185,000 hectares harvested area that is about 17 percent of world date
harvested area. About 12 percent of Dates produced in Iran were exported during 2001-2002
and large quantities were consumed domestically.
Dates Ex ports from Pakista n
3.3
Pakistan appeared on the map of date exporting countries in the beginning of 80s in the last
century. Major buyers of Pakistani Dates include Canada, SA, Germany, UK, Denmark,
Australia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Dubai, Japan, China, South
Korea and North Korea etc. Pakistan produces more than 600,000 metric tonnes of Dates and
is among the top 5 producers of Dates in the world and can supply both dry and fresh Dates.
Pakistans total export of Dates has crossed US$ 36 million in 2006-07.
Table 3-3
Exports from Pakistan
Fresh Dates
Dried Dates
Year
Qty Tons
Value 000 $
Qty Tons
Value 000 $
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
4654
3353
2645
4108
4023
2080
1655
1284
2037
2681
72817
67791
62784
79946
85326
25546
23449
21449
27114
29669
Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan, Karachi.
The export data shows that Pakistans fresh Dates export is very small compared to dried
Dates. There is a big gap between production and export figures. Pakistan on an average
export 10 % of Dates production and 90 % crop production is either consumed locally or
wasted. This means that export of Dates can be increased through modern Dates processing
lines, post harvest management and handling practices.
Import o f Dates in Pak istan
3.4
The yearly demand of Dates is about 10,000 tonnes, but in Ramadan it jumps to 40,000
tonnes in Karachi only. To fill the gap, Pakistan imports Dates from Iran and Iraq. According
to available data, in the year 2000 Pakistan has imported 30,000 tonnes of Dates, and the
same trend has been observed in the previous years. The shortage of Dates occur as large
quantity of stocks are wasted because of limited & far-flung processing facilities, huge
revenues could be exploited only through fumigation and storing.
11
PROC ESSIN G
Dates are processed to deliver neat, cleaned, sized and healthy product which is free of
insects or any harmful bacteria. Primarily, these are picked in such a way that may not be
contaminated with dust or sand of the farm. Then these are kept in clean crates for
transportation to the processing plants. Care is also taken during transportation that these
Dates are not open to dust or any filthy substances of the road. At the plant side these are
fumigated, sorted, washed, dried and graded before packing. At times, tabling is also carried
out with wet towels to clean and produce uniform sizes of Dates. General process is shown in
the flow diagram along with comprehensive details.
4.1
Sto rage o f raw material
Before Dates go into processing these have to be stored properly in order to avoid flavor
losses, texture modifications, weight loss etc. that can take place over a period of storing.
The following rules are generally observed for the purpose.
4.2
Dates are kept in shade
Unprocessed Dates are protected from dust, heat and contamination and also
protected from attack of rodents, insects etc.
At each delivery these are checked for color, texture, taste and flavour
Fumiga tio n
Dates become infected with insects during transportation and storage, which could results in
spoilage of fruit. Fumigation is carried out to prevent fruits from insects and keep the fruit fit
for human consumption. The method consists of keeping Dates in an air tight chamber and
exposing them to a noxious gas for 72 hours. Amongst various fumigants methyl bromide
(CH3Br) is most commonly used presently because it is highly noxious to insects. It is also
injurious to human beings as such proper precautions are to be taken before entering
fumigated chambers. Fumigation by gases can be carried out at atmospheric pressure and
under vacuum. The penetration of gases is more intense under vacuum condition and time
effective but expensive method.
Since past few years, tablets of hydrogen-phosphide, under the trade name Phostoxyn have
gained popularity because it is easy to apply and suitable for small rooms or stags covered by
polythene plastic sheets and left for about 9 days. These tablets consisting of aluminium
phosphide, ammonium carbonate and paraffin, upon contact with air releases hydrogen
phosphide, the active component. The ammonium carbonate is decomposed into ammonia
and carbon dioxide, jointly acting as a warning and fire suppressing agent. The residue of
tablet is a powder which can be removed after treatment.
Fumigation at atmospheric pressure is carried out under enclosures of tarpaulin or plastic or
in permanent store room equipped with air tight doors, air circulation system and exhaust
fans. 50 to 60 tablets of 3 gms standard are used to fumigate 1000 cubic ft storage space.
The process of dumping/fumigation keeps on going on one hand while from the other side;
the fumigated Dates are then passed to the other section, which is initial sorting.
12
4.3
Initia l Sorting
The initial sorting is done manually where the workers sort the fumigated Dates according to
its condition and size. The rotten ones are separated and rest of sorted stock is further passed
on via conveyor belts to the next step that is washing.
4.4
Conveyer Belt
The conveyer belt with steel edges is used to transport the Dates to the next section. This
special belt is made up of aluminium to keep the quality of Dates consistently good and avoid
rust.
4.5
Washing
In this section the Dates passes through rotatory washing drums with water showering
nozzles. The water is then automatically drained through it from the small pores in the
conveyer belt.
4.6
Drying
This is the final processing stage where the washed Dates are dried using diesel or gas fired.
Ovens by applying heat though blowing hot air on it from different angles. The dried dates
are then transported through another 15 feet conveyer belt which takes it to the packing
section while graded manually on the way.
4.7
Gra ding
Dates are graded to produce homogenous quality and size according to the specifications of
national / international market or specific standards. Dates are graded manually in shape, size,
colour, skin and even flesh. Colour, size and test vary with respect to their varieties. Grading
is market driven, this step/stage of processing is done in manner according to market. The
rejected Dates are sold for by-products manufacturing.
4.8
Packaging
The processed Dates are packed by the shrink wrap machine in plastic bags for additional
protection and preservation of moisture, before being placed in boxes. The boxes could be of
different design and weights (1kg, 2kg, 5kg etc) based on consumers demand. The boxes of
1and 2 kg are used in this project as a bench mark.
PROCESS FLOW CHART
Fumigation
Manual Sorting
Washing
Packing
Grading
Drying
13
5
5.1
PROJEC T INPU TS
Propo sed Capacity
The yearly production capacity of the plant will be 600,000 Kgs of Dates, based on singleshift production, which could be further optimized with double shift and employing extensive
staff. For financial projection Capacity utilization will be 60% in the first year; and increased
at a rate of 5% annually and will be capped at 95%.
5.2 Land
The total land requirement would be of 10,000 Sqfts. to install various facilities of the
project, inclusive of storage, processing & packaging hall, and office.
5.3 Suitable Locations
Dates processing units are recommended to be installed next to the growing area while
considering other mandatory inputs i.e. availability of human resource, electricity and water
etc. Another essential aspect is access to the market, easy access to market should be
considered and studied thoroughly.
5.4 Machinery a nd Equipment
The details of machinery required for the date processing is provided in the following table.
The table includes the description of different machinery component along with their quantity
and costs. The machinery is available locally.
Table 5-4
Details of machinery and equipment
Machinery & Equipment

1. Fumigation Rooms
Total rooms
Each room size
Racks
Rack capacity
Description/Quantity
7
15 12 sqfts
Material, Channel 4 2, Angle Iron 2 2
To accommodate
400 crater, Plastic
Total Dates = 2000 Kg / Room
2. Plastic Crates
Size
Quantity
2 1 sqfts
2800
3. Washing Tub
Washing drums
Drum size
Material
Drive units
Concrete Tank with tiles (civil work)

Capacity 250 / batch
Dia 2.5 5 sqfts
Stainless Steel
Reduction Gear with 5 HP motor
4. Sorting/Packing Table
Size
Rejection cannel
18 6 sqfts
on both sides of the table.
14
Machinery & Equipment
Description/Quantity
5. Trays for Oven Feeding

Size
Material
Quantity
2 1 sqfts
Stainless Steel
100
6. Oven
Firing Chamber
Size
Insulation
Burner
Hot air dryer
Rack for tray (S/S) stacking
Hot Air calculation blower
5 5 sqfts
Glass Wool
Diesel 0 Gas fired
7 4 sqfts
-
7. Shrink Wrap Machine

Four Heaters
Blower
8. Machinery Cost
Plant Cost
Installation cost
Transportation cost
Generator 10 KVA
Transformer 50 KV
Total Cost
5.5
RS 7,695,000
RS 1000,000
RS 200,000
RS 350,000
RS 1,000,000
RS 9,345,000
Office a nd Equipment
Table 5.5-1
Office Equipment
Description
Computer
Printer
Telephone
Fax Machine with Extra Phone Line
Total
Table 5.5-2
Qty
1
1
6
1
Cost/Unit
30,000
6,000
500
12,000
Total Amount (PKR)

30,000
6,000
3,000
12,000
51,000
Furniture & Fixture
Description
Total Amount (PKR)
30,000
Furnitu re
Three Air conditioners (1.5 Ton Window)
72,000
Total
10,2000
15
5.6
Huma n Resource Requirements
The possible human resource requirements for the project are provided in the following table:
Table 5-6
Human Resource Details
Designation
Number
Manager
Food technologist
Accounts Officer
Skilled workers
Semi-skilled
Watch Man
Sweepers
Driver
1
1
1
4
6
1
2
1
Per Month
Salary (Rs)
35,000
30,000
12,000
9,900
7,500
6,000
3,000
6,000
Annually
(Rs)
420,000
360,000
144,000
475,200
540,000
72,000
72,000
72,000
Rs. 2,155,200
The anticipated work force includes 17 employees consisting of 1 manager, 1 food

technologist,1 accounts officer, 4 skilled workers, 6 semi-skilled, 1 watch man, 1 driver and 2
sweepers.
5.7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.9
Duties of the unsk illed labour

Loading & unloading of raw materials and finished products.
Washing, grading and packaging.
Feeding the machines with raw materials.
Stacking the finished products from the machines.
Duties of skilled labour
Operating the machinery.
Maintenance of machinery
Manage un skilled workers
Ensured effective & efficient supplies
Infrastructure Requirement
The infrastructure requirements of the project will be:

a.
b.
c.
d.
Power
Water
Railway/Road
Telecommunication
16
Land and Building Requirement
Table 6-1
Land Cost
Description
Land
Table 6-2
Area in sq.ft
10,000
Total Cost (Rs.)

2,000,000
Cost/sq.ft
2,000
1,260
1000
1260
Area in sq.ft
504
1300
1,000
1300
Total Cost (Rs.)

1,008,000
1,638,000
1,000,000
1,638,000
5,284,000
Qty
1
Cost/Unit
1,200,000
24,000
Total Cost (Rs.)

1,200,000
24,000
1,224,000
Building Construction Cost
Description
Office Building (12*14 per room)*3
Fumigation Rooms
Warehouse
Processing Hall/Building
Total
Table6-3
Cost/sq.ft
200
Office Vehicle
Description
Shahzor
Registration
Total Cost
17
7
7.1
PROJECT ECON OMIC S

Project Cost
Table 7-2
Project Cost
Capital Investment
Land
Building/Infrastructure
Machinery & equipment
Office equipment
Furniture Fixture
Office Vehicle
Pre Operating cost
Total Capital Costs
Working Capital
Raw material inventory
Upfront insurance payment
Cash
Total Working Capital
Total Investment
7.2
Rs. in actuals
2,000,000
5,284,000
9,345,000
51,000
102,000
1,224,000
136,800
18,142,800
Rs. in actual
1,150,000
528,450
500,000
2,178,450
20,321,250
Project Returns
Table 7-2
Project Returns
Project
33%
4.38 yrs
IRR
Payback
7.3
Capital Structure of the project

Table 7-3
Project Financing
Initial Financing
Total Investment
Equity
Long-term Debt
60%
40%
18
Amount
20,321,250
12,193,276
8,127,974
Project F ina ncial Statements
8
8.1
Statement Summa ries
Financial Evaluation of Pre-feasibility Dates Processing Plant

Key Variables
Total Investment in Project
Equity
Debt
Lease
Interest Rate
Debt Tenure
Total Number of Employees
Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE)

Free Cash Flow to Firm (FCFF)
Profit margin on sales
ROE
Times interest earned
SMEDA
20,321,250
12,193,275
8,127,974
20%
5
17
60%
40%
0%
Year 1
(1,599,262)
(283,953)
-3%
-5%
0.68
Year 2
391,586
3,953,477
6%
11%
2.16
Year 3
3,381,431
5,847,358
11%
23%
4.77
Equity
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
38%
Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR)*
27%
Payback Period (yrs)
4.54
Net Present Value (NPV)
@ 16%
29,454,218
@ 12%
*Re-investment rate has been taken to be the interest on cash in bank, which in this case is 2%
Year 4
4,631,091
7,166,222
16%
36%
9.89
Project
33%
22%
4.38
39,870,422
Year 5
7,015,727
9,633,903
Year 6
12,389,758
12,389,758
20%
47%
25.39 -
Year 7
15,931,019
15,931,019
25%
56%
Year 8
20,305,124
20,305,124
27%
64%
-
Year 9
23,935,585
23,935,585
30%
71%
-
Rs. in actuals
Year 10
32,664,897
44,478,267
32%
74%
-
34%
77%
-
Initial Investment
SMEDA
Capital Investment
Land
Furniture & fixtures
Office vehicles
Office equipment
Pre-operating costs
Total Capital Costs
Rs. in actuals
2,000,000
5,284,000
9,345,000
102,000
1,224,000
51,000
136,800
18,142,800
Working Capital
Upfront insurance payment
Cash
Total Working Capital
Rs. in actuals
1,150,000
528,450
500,000
2,178,450
Total Investment
20,321,250
Initial Financing
Debt
Equity
Rs. in actuals
8,127,974
12,193,275
20
Income Statement
SMEDA
Rs. in actuals
Year 9
Year 10
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
20,700,000
15,066,150
5,633,850
25,657,500
17,750,609
7,906,891
30,401,250
20,006,734
10,394,516
35,837,175
22,447,348
13,389,827
42,056,273
25,085,658
16,970,614
49,160,818
27,935,774
21,225,043
57,265,709
31,012,773
26,252,936
66,499,971
34,332,767
32,167,204
73,310,737
36,167,511
37,143,226
80,641,811
38,018,651
42,623,160
General administration & selling expenses

Administration expense
Utilities expense
Travelling & Comm. expense (phone, fax, etc.)
Office vehicles running expense
Office expenses (stationary, etc.)
Promotional expense
Insurance expense
Professional fees (legal, audit, etc.)
Depreciation expense
Amortization expense
Miscellaneous expense
Subtotal
Operating Income
1,254,000
76,800
228,000
244,800
45,600
103,500
528,450
20,700
1,336,400
27,360
621,000
4,486,610
1,147,240
1,316,700
84,360
239,400
269,280
47,880
128,288
475,605
25,658
1,336,400
27,360
769,725
4,720,655
3,186,236
1,382,535
92,670
251,370
296,208
50,274
152,006
422,760
30,401
1,336,400
27,360
912,038
4,954,022
5,440,494
1,451,662
101,805
263,939
325,829
52,788
179,186
369,915
35,837
1,336,400
27,360
1,075,115
5,219,835
8,169,992
1,524,245
111,846
277,135
358,412
55,427
210,281
317,070
42,056
1,336,400
27,360
1,261,688
5,521,921
11,448,693
1,600,457
122,885
290,992
394,253
58,198
245,804
264,225
49,161
1,336,400
1,474,825
5,837,200
15,387,843
1,680,480
135,020
305,542
433,678
61,108
286,329
211,380
57,266
1,336,400
1,717,971
6,225,174
20,027,762
1,764,504
148,362
320,819
477,046
64,164
332,500
158,535
66,500
1,336,400
1,994,999
6,663,828
25,503,376
1,852,729
163,029
336,860
524,751
67,372
366,554
105,690
73,311
1,336,400
2,199,322
7,026,017
30,117,209
1,945,366
179,154
353,703
577,226
70,741
403,209
52,845
80,642
1,336,400
2,419,254
7,418,539
35,204,620
Other income
Earnings Before Interest & Taxes
5,000
1,152,240
3,916
3,190,152
20,251
5,460,745
39,505
8,209,497
53,666
11,502,360
93,100
15,480,943
159,889
20,187,651
234,930
25,738,307
314,614
30,431,823
441,552
35,646,173
Interest expense
Earnings Before Tax
1,695,302
(543,062)
1,476,855
1,713,297
1,145,012
4,315,733
830,448
7,379,049
452,972
11,049,388
15,480,943
20,187,651
25,738,307
30,431,823
35,646,173
Tax
NET PROFIT/(LOSS) AFTER TAX
(543,062)
257,452
1,455,845
949,461
3,366,272
1,623,391
5,755,658
2,430,865
8,618,523
3,405,808
12,075,136
4,441,283
15,746,368
5,662,427
20,075,879
6,695,001
23,736,822
7,842,158
27,804,015
Balance brought forward

Total profit available for appropriation
Owner's withdrawals
Balance carried forward
(543,062)
(543,062)
912,783
4,279,055
2,139,528
2,139,528
2,139,528
7,895,186
3,947,593
3,947,593
3,947,593
12,566,116
6,283,058
6,283,058
6,283,058
18,358,194
9,179,097
9,179,097
9,179,097
24,925,465
12,462,732
12,462,732
12,462,732
32,538,611
16,269,306
16,269,306
16,269,306
40,006,128
20,003,064
20,003,064
20,003,064
47,807,079
23,903,539
23,903,539
Revenue
Cost of goods sold
Gross Profit
(543,062)
912,783
912,783
21
Balance Sheet
SMEDA
Rs. in actuals
Year 9
Year 10
Year 0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
500,000
1,150,000
528,450
2,178,450
1,701,370
655,050
1,428,656
475,605
4,260,681
391,586
1,905,103
741,987
1,696,644
422,760
5,158,080
1,633,490
2,303,784
836,102
2,004,560
369,915
7,147,851
2,316,988
2,722,127
937,911
2,357,773
317,070
8,651,869
3,049,657
3,201,101
1,047,965
2,762,334
264,225
10,325,281
6,260,318
3,748,648
1,166,851
3,225,059
211,380
14,612,254
9,728,605
4,373,693
1,295,197
3,753,620
158,535
19,309,650
13,764,423
5,086,261
1,433,676
4,147,462
105,690
24,537,511
17,696,944
5,745,646
1,506,980
4,572,577
52,845
29,574,990
26,458,302
6,326,817
1,584,110
34,369,229
Fixed assets
Land
Office vehicles
Office equipment
Total Fixed Assets
2,000,000
5,284,000
9,345,000
102,000
1,224,000
51,000
18,006,000
2,000,000
5,019,800
8,410,500
91,800
1,101,600
45,900
16,669,600
2,000,000
4,755,600
7,476,000
81,600
979,200
40,800
15,333,200
2,000,000
4,491,400
6,541,500
71,400
856,800
35,700
13,996,800
2,000,000
4,227,200
5,607,000
61,200
734,400
30,600
12,660,400
2,000,000
3,963,000
4,672,500
51,000
612,000
25,500
11,324,000
2,000,000
3,698,800
3,738,000
40,800
489,600
20,400
9,987,600
2,000,000
3,434,600
2,803,500
30,600
367,200
15,300
8,651,200
2,000,000
3,170,400
1,869,000
20,400
244,800
10,200
7,314,800
2,000,000
2,906,200
934,500
10,200
122,400
5,100
5,978,400
2,000,000
2,642,000
4,642,000
Intangible assets
Pre-operation costs
Total Intangible Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
136,800
136,800
20,321,250
109,440
109,440
21,039,721
82,080
82,080
20,573,360
54,720
54,720
21,199,371
27,360
27,360
21,339,629
21,649,281
24,599,854
27,960,850
31,852,311
35,553,390
39,011,229
1,254,506
1,099,262
2,353,768
1,484,791
1,484,791
1,686,378
1,686,378
1,905,953
1,905,953
2,144,998
2,144,998
2,405,122
2,405,122
2,688,072
2,688,072
2,978,550
2,978,550
3,151,461
3,151,461
2,914,414
2,914,414
8,127,974
8,127,974
7,035,740
7,035,740
257,452
5,725,058
5,982,510
1,027,950
4,152,240
5,180,190
1,027,950
2,264,858
3,292,808
1,027,950
1,027,950
822,360
822,360
616,770
616,770
411,180
411,180
205,590
205,590
12,193,275
12,193,275
20,321,250
12,193,275
(543,062)
11,650,214
21,039,721
12,193,275
912,783
13,106,059
20,573,360
12,193,275
2,139,528
14,332,803
21,199,371
12,193,275
3,947,593
16,140,868
21,339,629
12,193,275
6,283,058
18,476,333
21,649,281
12,193,275
9,179,097
21,372,372
24,599,854
12,193,275
12,462,732
24,656,008
27,960,850
12,193,275
16,269,306
28,462,581
31,852,311
12,193,275
20,003,064
32,196,339
35,553,390
Assets
Current assets
Cash & Bank
Accounts receivable
Finished goods inventory
Equipment spare part inventory
Pre-paid insurance
Total Current Assets
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity

Current liabilities
Accounts payable
Short term debt
Total Current Liabilities
Other liabilities
Deferred tax
Long term debt
Total Long Term Liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Paid-up capital
Retained earnings
Total Equity
TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES
12,193,275
23,903,539
36,096,815
39,011,229
Cash Flow Statement
SMEDA
Year 0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Operating activities
Net profit
Add: depreciation expense
amortization expense
Deferred income tax
Accounts receivable
Finished good inventory
Advance insurance premium
Accounts payable
Other liabilities
Cash provided by operations
(1,150,000)
(528,450)
(1,678,450)
(543,062)
1,336,400
27,360
(1,701,370)
(655,050)
(278,656)
52,845
1,254,506
(507,027)
1,455,845
1,336,400
27,360
257,452
(203,733)
(86,937)
(267,988)
52,845
230,285
2,801,530
3,366,272
1,336,400
27,360
770,498
(398,682)
(94,115)
(307,916)
52,845
201,587
4,954,249
5,755,658
1,336,400
27,360
(418,343)
(101,809)
(353,213)
52,845
219,574
6,518,473
Financing activities
Change in long term debt
Change in short term debt
Issuance of shares
Purchase of (treasury) shares
Financing activities
8,127,974
12,193,275
20,321,250
(1,092,235)
1,099,262
7,027
(1,310,682)
(1,099,262)
(2,409,943)
(1,572,818)
(1,572,818)
(1,887,382)
(1,887,382)
Investing activities
Capital expenditure
Investing activities
(18,142,800)
(18,142,800)
Year 5
Year 6
8,618,523 12,075,136
1,336,400
1,336,400
27,360
(205,590)
(478,974)
(547,547)
(110,053)
(118,886)
(404,561)
(462,725)
52,845
52,845
239,045
260,125
9,280,585 12,389,758
(2,264,858)
(2,264,858)
Year 7
Year 8
Rs. in actuals
Year 9
Year 10
15,746,368 20,075,879 23,736,822 27,804,015

1,336,400
1,336,400
1,336,400
1,336,400
(205,590)
(205,590)
(205,590)
(205,590)
(625,045)
(712,568)
(659,385)
(581,172)
(128,347)
(138,479)
(73,304)
(77,131)
(528,562)
(393,841)
(425,115) 4,572,577
52,845
52,845
52,845
52,845
282,950
290,478
172,911
(237,047)
15,931,019 20,305,124 23,935,585 32,664,897
NET CASH
500,000
(500,000)
391,586
3,381,431
4,631,091
7,015,727
12,389,758
15,931,019
20,305,124
23,935,585
32,664,897
Cash balance brought forward

Cash available for appropriation
Owner's withdrawals
Cash carried forward
500,000
500,000
500,000
-
391,586
391,586
391,586
3,773,018
2,139,528
1,633,490
1,633,490
6,264,581
3,947,593
2,316,988
2,316,988
9,332,715
6,283,058
3,049,657
3,049,657
15,439,414
9,179,097
6,260,318
6,260,318
22,191,337
12,462,732
9,728,605
9,728,605
30,033,728
16,269,306
13,764,423
13,764,423
37,700,007
20,003,064
17,696,944
17,696,944
50,361,841
23,903,539
26,458,302
23
Pre-feasibility Study
Key Assumptions
Table 9-1
Cost of Goods Sold per Unit of Production
COGS 1 (Raw material per unit)

COGS 2 (Packing cost and Fumigation Overhead per unit)
COGS growth rate per annum
Table 9-2
Production Related Assumptions
Production capacity per year

Sale price per unit in year 1
Sale price growth rate per annum
Production capacity utilization in first year
Production capacity utilization growth rate
Maximum production capacity utilization
Table 9-3
600,000 Kg
Rs. 60
10%
60%
5%
95%
Economic Related Assumptions
Inflation rate
Wage growth rate
Electricity Growth Rate
Water Price Growth Rate
Table 9-4
10%
10%
10%
10%
Financing Assumptions
Interest rate on long term debt

Project Debt Component
Project Equity Component
Tax rate (15% sales tax + 7% income tax)
Required rate of return on equity
WACC
Owners Withdrawals
Table 9-5
Rs. 35
Rs. 5
5%
20%
40%
60%
22%
16%
12%
50% of available cash
Expense Assumptions
Administrative benefit expense

Travelling expense
Communication expense
Office vehicle running expense
Office expense
10% of administrative expense

20% of vehicle cost
Promotional Expense
Machinery & equipment insurance rate
0.5% of revenue
5%
24
Pre-feasibility Study
Office vehicle insurance rate

Professional Fee (Legal, Audit etc)
Bad debt expense
Pre-Operational Expense
Table 9-6
5%
0.1% of revenue
3% of revenue
Rs. 136,800
Depreciation Rates
Building & Infrastructure

Machinery
Office equipment
Office Vehicle
Table 9-7
5%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Cash Flow Assumptions
Accounts Receivables Cycle (In Days)
30
Accounts Payable Cycle (In Days)

Initial cash on hand
30
Rs. 500,000
25

SMEDA Dates Processing Plant

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SMEDA Dates Processing Plant

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Pre-Feasibility Study

DATES PROCESSING PLANT

Turn Potential into Profit

Dates Processing Plant

CURRENT INDUSTRY STRUCTURE ...............................................................................................5

MAJOR DATES IMPORTING C OUNTRIES OF THE WORLD ...................................................................10

DATES PRODUCING AREAS OF PAKISTAN .........................................................................................5

EXISTING MARKETING SCENARIO...............................................................................................9

PROJECT BRIEF ...............................................................................................................................2

STORAGE OF RAW MATERIAL .........................................................................................................12

PROPOSED CAPACITY ....................................................................................................................14

LAND AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT .......................................................................................17

PROJECT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ..........................................................................................19

PROJECT COST ..............................................................................................................................18

STATEMENT SUMMARIES ..............................................................................................................19

Dates Processing Plant

Dates Processing Plant

Dates Processing Plant

Oppo rtunity Rationa le

Viable Eco no mic Size (Pro cessing Capacity)

The recommended machinery for Dates processing plant is:

Dates Processing Plant

Tota l Pro ject Cost

Key Success Factors

Dates Processing Plant

CURRENT IN DUSTRY STR UC TURE

Major Dates Producing Countries

ANNUAL DATES PRODUCTION

United Arab Emirates

Source: FAO STAT 2005

Dates Producing Areas of Pakista n

Province wise Dates production

Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Pakistan.

Dates Processing Plant

Procurement Sea sons

Province wise Procurement Seasons of Dates

20th August 30th September

15th July 7th August

1 st August 31st August

7th August 31 st August

Dates Processing Plant

Province wise Dates production

Dates Processing Plant

Dates Production in Balo chistan

Dates Producing Areas of Balochistan

Dates Processing Plant

Ma jor Varieties of Dates Production in Pakistan

Various Varieties of Dates in Pakistan

Begum Jhangi, Mazawati, Gogna,

Fasil, Karbalai, Kubra, Valeti, Assil

Existing Marketing Scenario

Dates Processing Plant

Dates Importing Countries

WORLD IMPORT OF DATES (QUANTITY: THOUSAND

Dates Processing Plant

Exports from Pakistan

Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan, Karachi.

Dates Processing Plant

Sto rage o f raw material