Arooj Zulfiqar

The export potential of Pakistan’s fruits and vegetables remains largely untapped due to significant logistical challenges.

“Pakistan's geographic and climatic diversity allows it to produce a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, citrus fruits, and potatoes. However, the potential to tap into lucrative international markets is curtailed by logistical inefficiencies,” said Nurullah, a senior scientific officer at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). Talking to WealthPK, he said, "Despite having high-quality produce, we are unable to meet international demand due to inadequate cold storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and inefficient handling processes. These issues lead to significant post-harvest losses, diminishing the competitiveness of our exports.” He said, “A critical component in the export supply chain is the cold storage infrastructure, which is grossly insufficient in Pakistan. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, and maintaining the right temperature from farm to market is crucial to preserving their quality.”

Nurullah said, “Pakistan's fruit and vegetable industry faces significant hurdles in tapping into lucrative export markets due to a lack of investment in the value chain. The sector, dominated by smallholder farmers with limited technical knowledge and awareness of international market standards, suffers from fragmented structures and short-term trading practices.” "Most of our cold storage facilities are outdated and not strategically located," said M Azeem Tariq, another senior scientific officer at NARC. “This results in substantial spoilage and a reduction in the shelf life of our produce, making it less appealing to foreign buyers.” “The transportation system, characterised by poor road conditions, further exacerbates the problem. The lack of properly refrigerated vehicles means that produce often arrives at ports in a degraded state. Therefore, improving our logistics infrastructure is imperative for the future of our agriculture exports," he underscored.

"Investing in refrigerated transport and improving road infrastructure are essential steps to ensure that our fruits and vegetables reach international markets in prime condition," he said. He said with targeted investments and policy reforms, the country can enhance its competitiveness in the global market. He emphasised that overcoming these hurdles is not just about boosting exports, it’s about ensuring the sustainability and growth of Pakistan's agricultural sector. Muhammad Ihtesham, a farmer in Punjab, shared his thoughts on the current condition of the fruit and vegetable industry. “Despite our hard work in producing high-quality crops, our efforts often go to waste due to inadequate support and investment. We require enhanced infrastructure, particularly in transportation and storage facilities, to maintain the freshness of our produce and secure better prices in both local and international markets. We appeal to policymakers to prioritise investments that directly benefit farmers like us."

Credit: INP-WealthPk