Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan boasts diverse agro-climatic zones conducive to cultivating a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, despite this natural advantage, challenges such as post-harvest losses, inadequate infrastructure, and limited value addition have hindered the sector's growth potential.

Dr Hidayat Ullah, Principal Scientific Officer (PSO) of Horticulture at the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), told WealthPK. "One of the most significant challenges facing our horticulture sector is the post-harvest losses. Up to 40 percent of the produce is lost due to poor handling, storage, and transportation, while lack of processing facilities restricts the ability to create higher-value products. Fifteen to twenty percent of these losses are at the time of management of harvested crop, 5-8 percent during harvesting and 10-12 percent during transportation of vegetables and fruits," he said. "Lack of proper infrastructure, such as cold storage facilities and efficient transportation networks, hampers the sector's growth. Many farmers struggle to access the markets promptly, leading to significant spoilage and financial losses. The infrastructure needs to be upgraded to ensure that the produce reaches the markets in optimal condition. "Investing in modern post-harvest technologies and infrastructure is paramount.

Addressing these gaps can significantly reduce losses and enhance product quality, making our produce more competitive in the international markets," he added. A former researcher at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad Dr. Ali said, "We should focus on the importance of promoting value addition. Pakistan currently exports a substantial amount of raw produce, missing out on higher-value processed goods. Value addition through processing and packaging not only increases profitability but also creates employment opportunities across the value chain." "Furthermore, enhancing export capabilities has emerged as a key strategy. Accessing new markets and complying with the international standards are pivotal for sustained export growth," he remarked. "Collaborative efforts between the private sector and government bodies can streamline export processes and improve market penetration. However, stringent international standards and market access barriers pose significant challenges for the Pakistani exporters," he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk