PHDEC – Ministry Of Commerce

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

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Russia Lifts Ban on Pakistani Potatos
Russia has lifted its ban on importing potatoes from Pakistan, allowing shipments from Punjab to enter the Russian Federation, effective from April 8, 2026. The withdrawal of restrictions is a major achievement for potato exporters & farmers.

The achievement reflects the coordinated efforts of the MNFS&R, DPP, TDAP, PHDEC, and Pakistan’s Trade Mission in Moscow.
Full story in link;
https://www.dawn.com/news/1990394

Mango Orchard Management during flowering Phase under prevailing weather conditions

PHDEC (Government of Pakistan) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Webinar.

Topic: Mango Orchard Management during flowering Phase under prevailing weather conditions

Date & Time: Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026 11:00 AM (PST)

Join Zoom Webinar
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88204533168?pwd=RqAKGCChwSwk7Y7lWnmUKdOsRSqv5m.1

Meeting ID: 882 0453 3168
Passcode: 12345

PHDEC’s Mango Bagging Program and Its Role in Export Growth

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC)’s mango bagging initiative is considered a significant success story, transforming Pakistani mangoes by protecting them from pests, enhancing their appearance, reducing pesticide use, and enabling access to high-value international markets, leading to better prices and increased export potential for growers. Starting as a pilot in 2023, the program rapidly expanded, with millions of bags distributed by 2024-2025, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving quality and meeting global standards.

Events & Webinars

PHDEC organized a webinar on value addition in floriculture, guiding stakeholders on transforming the sector into a high-value, export-oriented industry.

PHDEC, in collaboration with the University of Agriculture Peshawar, co-organized the 10th International Horticulture Expo & Conference 2026 to showcase KP’s horticulture potential and strengthen export-oriented value addition.

PHDEC organized a webinar on emerging export opportunities in the changing global trade landscape, guiding stakeholders on market diversification, compliance, and value addition to boost horticulture exports.

PHDEC held a technical session on Panama Wilt in bananas, guiding stakeholders on prevention, field management, and modernization to protect production and strengthen export potential.

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Pakistan Horticulture Development

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) is a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Commerce, dedicated to promoting the growth and global competitiveness of Pakistan’s horticulture sector. It aims to enhance the export potential of fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops through value chain development, capacity building, market linkages, and infrastructure support. PHDEC plays a vital role in facilitating growers, exporters, and processors by providing technical assistance, international certifications, and access to global markets. Through policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, PHDEC continues to foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in horticulture.

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GCC Recommended Discharge Ports…

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Procurement of Laptops &…

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Certification Body for Guava…

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Latest Videos

The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a webinar on 22nd April 2026 titled “Onion Resilience: Bridging the Gap between Seed Security and Regional Productivity in Sindh & Balochistan.” The session brought together key stakeholders from the horticulture sector, including growers, exporters, researchers, and policymakers, to deliberate on the critical challenges affecting onion production and productivity in Pakistan’s major growing regions. The webinar emphasized the importance of strengthening seed systems, enhancing farmer capacity, and promoting region-specific strategies to ensure sustainable onion production.

Dr. Niaz Ahmad Wahocho delivered a comprehensive presentation on onion seed production, highlighting key issues such as the unavailability of certified seed, reliance on imported varieties, and gaps in local seed multiplication systems. He stressed the need for developing indigenous seed production capacity, improving quality assurance mechanisms, and encouraging public-private collaboration to achieve seed security. His insights underscored how strengthening the seed sector is fundamental to improving yield consistency and resilience against climatic and market uncertainties.

Dr. Shadab Shokat focused on onion cultivation practices in Balochistan, discussing production trends, prevailing challenges, and emerging opportunities. He elaborated on constraints such as water scarcity, lack of modern agronomic practices, pest and disease pressures, and limited access to inputs and markets. At the same time, he highlighted the province’s strong potential for off-season onion production, which can cater to domestic and export markets. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants explored actionable strategies to enhance productivity, improve value chains, and support farmers in Sindh and Balochistan.

Webinar on "Onion Seed Security & Regional Productivity in Sindh & Balochistan"

On April 20, 2026, the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company organized an insightful technical session titled “Pistachio Farming in Balochistan: Challenges, Yield Constraints & Future Prospects,” featuring Dr. Ahmed Aziz Kurd as the keynote speaker. In his address, Dr. Kurd highlighted Balochistan’s strong comparative advantage for pistachio cultivation, particularly in its cold arid zones such as Quetta, Zhob, and Kalat, where climatic conditions are conducive for high-quality nut production. He emphasized that pistachio is a drought-tolerant and high-value crop with significant export potential, aligning well with Pakistan’s strategy to promote climate-resilient agriculture and diversify its horticulture basket. However, he noted that despite favorable conditions, pistachio farming in the province remains largely at a nascent stage due to limited commercial-scale orchards and long gestation periods before economic returns are realized.

The session further explored key challenges and yield constraints affecting pistachio production, including acute water scarcity, lack of certified planting material, weak orchard management practices, and insufficient research-extension linkages. Dr. Kurd stressed the need for introducing improved varieties, adopting modern irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, and strengthening institutional support to enhance productivity and quality standards. Participants also highlighted gaps in processing, storage, and value addition, which limit export competitiveness. Concluding the session, PHDEC reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating capacity building, promoting investment, and supporting value chain development to unlock the full potential of pistachio farming in Balochistan, positioning it as a sustainable and export-oriented sector in the years ahead.

Pistachio Farming in Balochistan: Challenges, Yield Constraints & Future Prospects

15th April, 2026, PHDEC organized a technical webinar to highlight the untapped potential of floriculture in Pakistan through value addition. The session focused on transforming highly perishable flowers into durable, high-value products to enhance export competitiveness and reduce post-harvest losses.
An expert from Horticulture Research Station, Pattoki delivered a comprehensive presentation on value addition in floriculture, emphasizing global market trends, processing technologies, and emerging business opportunities.
At the outset, it was highlighted that the global floriculture market is valued at USD 67.43 billion, offering significant export potential. The expert explained that floriculture provides higher returns per unit area compared to traditional crops such as sugarcane and rice. However, fresh flowers face 20–40% losses within a few days, whereas value-added products can extend shelf life from 6 months up to 1.5 years, resulting in improved profitability, reduced waste, and employment generation.
From an export perspective, Pakistan’s performance remains far below its potential:
• Processed flowers: $1.5 million potential vs $0.3 million exports ($1.2 million gap)
• Essential oils : $2.2 million potential with $1.8 million unrealized
• Live plants/foliage: significant untapped potential despite minimal exports

The session covered a wide spectrum of value-added products. Fresh flower-based products such as bouquets, baskets, wreaths, corsages, garlands, and floral jewelry were identified as low-cost, high-return opportunities, where innovative arrangements and premium packaging significantly enhance value.

In dried flower processing, six key methods were discussed including air drying (2–4 weeks), freeze drying (-20°C), press drying, desiccant drying, microwave drying, and glycerin preservation, enabling production of items such as potpourri, handicrafts, greeting cards, and decorative products with strong local and export demand.

High-value opportunities were highlighted in essential oils and aromatherapy, with Pakistan currently exporting only $50–55K against a $490K potential in the US market . Applications extend to therapeutic, cosmetic, and wellness industries, offering diversified export avenues.

Further, the expert emphasized natural pigments and pharmaceutical applications, including lutein extraction, anthocyanins, and high-value compounds like vincristine used in cancer treatment.

The webinar also covered nutraceuticals and floral teas, where edible flowers rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids provide antioxidant and health benefits. Products such as rose, hibiscus, and chamomile teas were highlighted for growing global demand.

In addition, cosmetic applications (rose water, herbal creams, infused oils) and edible flower products (candied flowers, rose-based foods, syrups, jams) were presented as viable commercial segments. The concept of floral tourism was also introduced as an emerging opportunity to generate additional revenue through seasonal flower-based attractions.

Concluding Remarks:
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan (Consultant Agro, PHDEC) appreciated the comprehensive session and emphasized the need for strategic planning and investment in essential oils, processing technologies, machinery, intermediaries, and market outlets. He further proposed organizing strategic sessions in April–May to elevate Pakistan’s Floriculture sector to a competitive export level.
The session concluded that value addition is critical to transforming perishable floriculture produce into high-value, export-oriented products . Pakistan has significant untapped potential across multiple segments, requiring focused interventions in processing, innovation, and market access.

Value Addition in Floriculture Transforming the Commercial Flowers into High Value Products

PHDEC organized an insightful podcast session on the topic “Unlocking Pakistan’s Organic Agriculture: Production, Certification & Export Potential,” featuring Dr. Hasan Ali Mughal, a distinguished expert in organic agriculture supply chains and marketing. During the session, Dr. Mughal provided a comprehensive overview of organic agriculture, highlighting its principles, various types, and its growing significance for Pakistan’s national economy. He emphasized the increasing global demand for organic products, particularly in premium markets such as the EU and USA, and discussed the expanding trade opportunities for developing countries. The discussion also covered the diversity of organic crops cultivated worldwide, including both seasonal and perennial horticultural products.
The session further explored Pakistan’s current standing in organic production and exports, noting that while the country has strong potential due to favorable agro-climatic conditions, the sector remains underdeveloped. Dr. Mughal shared insights into the existing landscape of certified organic companies operating in domestic and international markets, and highlighted key challenges such as limited certification infrastructure, lack of awareness, and fragmented value chains. He also elaborated on the certification processes commonly followed in Pakistan and the role of international standards in accessing high-value export markets.

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Mughal outlined the immense potential of organic agriculture in Pakistan and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among public institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners. He underscored the importance of policy support, capacity building, certification facilitation, and market linkages to unlock the sector’s true potential. The session provided valuable recommendations for promoting organic horticulture trade and reinforced the importance of strategic collaboration to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global organic market.

Unlocking Pakistan’s Organic Agriculture: Production, Certification & Export Potential

April 07, 2026 – The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) today organized a high-level technical webinar titled “Emerging Export Opportunities for Pakistan’s Horticulture Sector in a Changing Global Trade Landscape.” The session brought together exporters, growers, processors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to provide strategic direction amid evolving global dynamics and recent geopolitical disruptions.
The webinar was held at a critical juncture when regional instability, including disruptions in traditional trade routes and challenges to maritime access, has significantly impacted Pakistan’s horticulture exports to key markets such as the GCC countries and Central Asian Republics. PHDEC convened the session to explore alternative trade pathways, immediate export opportunities, and effective post-crisis positioning strategies, with a strong emphasis on aligning Pakistan’s produce with international market requirements in terms of quality, consistency, and compliance.
Discussions highlighted that the current geopolitical situation has created a time-bound strategic window of 6 to 12 months, particularly in GCC markets, where supply chains of competing countries have been disrupted. Pakistan, benefiting from preferential transit access and established trade relationships, is well positioned to fill this supply gap provided immediate and coordinated actions are taken.
In his keynote presentation, Dr. Zafar Mehmood, Consultant (Food Systems, Safety & Trade), provided a comprehensive analysis of global horticulture trade. He noted that the sector is valued at approximately USD 2.2 trillion and is projected to reach USD 3.5 trillion by 2033, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and increasing demand for healthy diets. Despite Pakistan’s strong production capacity and favorable agro-climatic advantages, the country continues to underperform in exports, with a large share of production consumed domestically and less than 10 percent entering international markets.
Dr. Zafar Mehmood identified five key opportunity areas: immediate filling of the GCC supply gap due to geopolitical disruptions, expansion into premium EU markets particularly for mangoes and high-quality vegetables, scaling of value-addition models such as mango bagging which delivers up to a 70 percent price premium, recovery and expansion in Russia and regional markets, and long-term potential in China through enhanced CPEC connectivity.
Mr. Athar Hussain, CEO PHDEC, emphasized the significant untapped potential in GCC markets. Despite being a long-standing trading partner, Pakistan’s market share remains far below its actual potential. He noted that Pakistan’s horticulture exports are still largely dominated by low-value commodity shipments and stressed that targeted interventions, improved supply consistency, a shift toward high-value products, and market-driven strategies could substantially increase both volumes and returns, especially in markets where current penetration is minimal relative to demand. He called for moving beyond volume-driven commodity exports by focusing on quality enhancement, regulatory compliance, and value addition to remain competitive.
Participants emphasized that unlocking these opportunities requires addressing three critical structural gaps: strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance and Maximum Residue Level (MRL) management to access premium markets, development of an integrated cold chain infrastructure to reduce 15–20 percent post-harvest losses, and building strong Pakistan-origin branding for flagship products such as Chaunsa mango and Kinnow citrus.
The webinar also highlighted major constraints including sharply rising freight costs (up to 130 percent increase), fragmented farm structures, weak compliance systems, and growing competition from countries such as Turkey, Morocco, and Sudan. To convert opportunities into gains, the session recommended immediate actions such as organizing targeted trade missions to engage GCC buyers within the next 30 days, rapidly scaling value-addition interventions before the upcoming mango season, fast-tracking resolution of phytosanitary barriers, implementing cluster-based certification and aggregation models through modern pack houses, and accelerating cold chain and processing infrastructure development via public-private partnerships.
The session concluded with a strong consensus that Pakistan stands at a critical yet temporary opportunity window. Timely action, with a strategic focus on quality, compliance, value addition, market diversification, and institutional coordination, will be essential to transform the country from a commodity supplier into a competitive global player in horticulture exports.

Emerging Export Opportunities for Pakistanis Horticulture Sector

On 02 April, 2026, Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), organized a webinar titled “The New Frontier: Navigating Post-War Horticulture Opportunities in the GCC.” The session was aimed at providing strategic direction to exporters, growers, and stakeholders on emerging trade opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in light of evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.
The GCC region has long remained a key destination for Pakistan’s horticultural exports, including citrus, mangoes, potatoes, onions, and dates. In recent years, shifting geopolitical conditions and post-war economic adjustments in the broader region have created new demand patterns, supply gaps, and import dependencies, particularly in fresh and processed food commodities.
Recognizing these emerging opportunities, PHDEC organized this webinar to guide stakeholders on how to position Pakistan’s horticultural sector to capture greater market share in GCC countries through improved quality, compliance, and market-oriented strategies.
The session featured insightful presentations by Mr. Aamer Hayat Bhandara, Co-Founder Agriculture Republic, and Dr. Waqar Ahmad, Horticulture Subject Specialist, who provided an in-depth analysis of GCC market trends, trade potential, and export strategies.
Mr. Aamer Hayat Bhandara highlighted that post-war scenarios in the region have led to increased reliance on imported horticultural products, particularly in GCC countries where domestic production is limited due to climatic constraints. He emphasized that Pakistan holds a strong competitive advantage due to its proximity, seasonal availability, and diverse crop base.
He further noted that buyers in GCC markets are increasingly focusing on consistency, traceability, and reliability of supply, creating opportunities for exporters who can meet these expectations.
Dr. Waqar Ahmad emphasized that export competitiveness is no longer based solely on production volume, but rather on meeting stringent international requirements. He highlighted that the current situation has led to the emergence of new competitors such as Iran, Turkey, and Sudan. Due to their favorable geopolitical positioning, these countries are capitalizing on the situation and may pose strong competition even after conditions normalize. He highlighted the following key aspects:
• Compliance with SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) measures
• Adoption of Global GAP and food safety certifications
• Improved grading, sorting, and standardized packaging
• Maintenance of cold chain and shelf life
• Market intelligence is the key to plan and priorities the supplies
He stressed that quality assurance, branding, and value addition are critical to sustaining and expanding Pakistan’s presence in GCC markets.
The speakers discussed the importance of efficient logistics, reduced transit time, and proper handling practices to maintain product quality during exports. They also emphasized the growing demand for value-added products, such as processed, dehydrated, and ready-to-consume horticultural items, which offer higher margins and stronger market positioning.
• GCC markets offer significant and expanding demand for horticultural products
• Post-war dynamics would created new trade openings and supply gaps
• Quality, certification, and compliance are essential for market access
• Cold chain management and logistics efficiency are critical
• Branding and value addition enhance competitiveness and profitability
The CEO PHDEC, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar shared an overview of trade statistics of GCC countries, highlighting that the region represents a multi-billion-dollar import market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed food products. He emphasized that Pakistan’s current share in this market remains limited compared to its true potential. He stressed that there is a strong need to enhance export volumes while simultaneously improving quality, compliance, and value addition to compete effectively with regional and international suppliers. Mr. Athar reiterated PHDEC’s commitment to facilitating exporters through capacity building initiatives, certification support programs, and market linkage activities, including B2B engagements and trade missions.
He encouraged stakeholders to adopt a market-driven approach, focus on branding and packaging improvements, and capitalize on the growing opportunities in GCC markets.
Mr. Aslam Pakhali (a leading exporter of F&V) emphasized the need for government intervention in arranging cargo vessels. Drawing from his practical experience, he pointed out significant logistical challenges, particularly the suspension of feeder services by Indian shipping lines. He further requested the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to facilitate feeder services, similar to those arranged for other commodities, especially for the export of potatoes and onions.

The New Frontier: Navigating Post War Horticulture Opportunities in the GCC

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Media Corner

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company’s Media Corner showcases a dynamic hub of multimedia content including visual campaigns, newspaper features, and a rich video gallery designed to highlight its outreach and stakeholder activities. Here, viewers can explore recent webinars, workshops, and national campaigns that illustrate PHDEC’s commitment to enhancing horticultural standards and export readiness. Contact information for the head office in Islamabad is also provided, ensuring accessibility and engagement through traditional and digital media channels

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Head Office Islamabad

Head Office: Ground Floor, State Life Building # 5, Phase-II, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Regional Office Karachi: 3rd Floor, Room #330, Block A, Finance and Trade Centre Main Shahra E Faisal Karachi.
Regional Office Peshawar: Office No 34, Ground Floor, State Life Building, The Mall Peshawar
Regional Office Lahore: 4 Lytton Road, State Life Building # 2, Block # 3, First Floor, Lahore.
info@phdec.gov.pk
+92-51-9217979 to 84
+92-51-9217980

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

FOODAG 2025

Podcast Shots

Latest Podcast

Upcoming Events

Mango Orchard Management during flowering Phase under prevailing weather conditions

PHDEC’s Mango Bagging Program and Its Role in Export Growth

Events & Webinars

Pakistan Horticulture Development

Tenders & Notices

GCC Recommended Discharge Ports…

Procurement of Laptops &…

Certification Body for Guava…

Latest Videos

Product Brochures

Media Corner

Our Partners

Find Us

Head Office Islamabad

Important Links

Social Media

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

FOODAG 2025

Podcast Shots

Latest Podcast

Upcoming Events

Mango Orchard Management during flowering Phase under prevailing weather conditions

PHDEC’s Mango Bagging Program and Its Role in Export Growth

Events & Webinars

Pakistan Horticulture Development

Tenders & Notices

GCC Recommended Discharge Ports…

Procurement of Laptops &…

Certification Body for Guava…

Latest Videos

Product Brochures

Media Corner

Our Partners

Find Us

Head Office Islamabad

Important Links

Social Media

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan