Ahmed Khan Malik

The Agriculture Engineering Department of Sindh, a major agricultural province of Pakistan, plans to establish preservation facilities for fruits and vegetables with a view to modernising the province’s agricultural sector.

The plan is designed to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of perishable produce. "This initiative aims to benefit farmers, traders, and consumers by ensuring fresh and high-quality produce throughout the year,” a senior official of the department, told WealthPK.

Sindh is known for producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, bananas, dates, tomatoes, onions, and chilies. However, due to inadequate storage facilities and improper handling, a significant portion of the produce is wasted before reaching the market. Experts estimate that up to 30-40% of fruits and vegetables are lost due to spoilage, lack of cold storage, and inefficient supply chains.

“By establishing preservation facilities, the Sindh government aims to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers,” Mustafa Shah, Director of Agriculture Engineering Department, said.

He said that the move would also enhance export potential for local produce and stabilise prices by preventing seasonal shortages. Highlighting key features, he said that the planned preservation facilities would incorporate modern technology to ensure effective storage and transportation of agricultural produce.

“Advanced cold storage units will be set up in key agricultural districts to maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables. These units will help in reducing spoilage and ensuring quality control for both domestic consumption and exports,” he added. Shah said that specialised storage chambers with regulated temperature, humidity, and gas composition would be introduced to extend the freshness of perishable produce.

“This technique is particularly beneficial for high-value crops like mangoes and bananas.” “The facilities will also include processing units for cleaning, grading, and packaging to enhance the market value of agricultural products. Proper packaging will prevent damage during transportation and increase the competitiveness of Sindh’s produce in national and international markets,” the official said.

“Mobile cold storage units will be introduced for small-scale farmers. These portable units will help farmers store their produce temporarily before selling it in the market, preventing immediate spoilage,” he added. “The project will include training sessions for farmers and traders on best practices in post-harvest handling, storage techniques, and modern preservation methods. This will ensure maximum utilisation of the facilities and long-term benefits for the agricultural sector,” he said.

Shah said that the establishment of these preservation facilities was expected to bring multiple benefits by reducing losses and improving product quality; farmers will get better prices for their produce. “With improved storage and packaging, Sindh’s agricultural products will meet international quality standards, increasing export potential.”

“The project will generate employment opportunities in facility management, logistics, and packaging sectors. With better preservation methods, food wastage will be minimised, ensuring food security and resource efficiency,” Shah noted. "If implemented successfully, this project could transform Sindh’s agriculture industry and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economy,” Shah underscored.

Credit: INP-WealthPk