Sir: Turbat is an agricultural city of Balochistan and dates are its speciality. The city produces a vast variety of dates and in a large quantity. But unfortunately most of the residents of Turbat, involved in farming, are leading a pitiful life, literally living from hand to mouth. They wait the entire year for the date season, and when it arrives it brings little joy, owing, one, to the prices given to the farmers, which are usually much lower than what the wholesaler or the retailer gets. Two, there is no modern form of farming that could enhance the production and consequently the harvesting of dates. Turbat badly needs a date factory for processing and packaging of this valuable asset. I request the chief minister Balochistan to look into the matter and give orders to this effect. This small step will go a long way in removing hurdles in the lives of farmers to improve their lot. Nawaz Ellahi Turbat, Kech