Govt. of Pakistan

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

phdec-logosmall
phdec-logosmall

FOODAG 2025

WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.08_2882139e
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.08_a918de58
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.09_3ce33d13
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.07_60316c41
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.06_6755cade
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.06_9470e82d
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.06_f94df417
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.09_00cc064c
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.00_0c24dc52
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.01_ccc3fc73
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.25.59_cda89b70
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.10_26648327
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.05_54dc7a9b
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.04_9a92db8d
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.05_f00923de
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.03_88c47ab3
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.03_ae8d1672
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.04_1781b1e0
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.03_d865038b
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-01 at 16.26.02_b5a29f7b

Podcast Shots

Latest Podcast

View All Podcasts

Upcoming Events

Unlocking the Premium Market Potential of Pakistan's Chilgoza through Improved Post-Harvest Practices, GI Recognition, & Sustainable Export Value Chains

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

Topic: Unlocking the Premium Market Potential of Pakistan’s Chilgoza through Improved Post-Harvest Practices, GI Recognition, & Sustainable Export Value Chains

Date & Time: Monday, Jun 29, 2026 11:00 AM (PST)

Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89902912175?pwd=OMpTfganBHxjWeT01GjiS2HrMWKVAb.1

Meeting ID: 899 0291 2175
Passcode: 12345

Compliance & Quarantine requirements of the Australian Market for Mango

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

Topic: Compliance & Quarantine requirements of the Australian Market for Mango

Date & Time: Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 01:00 PM (PST)

Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86965871655?pwd=drJWQUok6VGaLO7Smm8V5BrG3M37QD.1

Meeting ID: 869 6587 1655
Passcode: 12345

View All

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

TDAP and PHDEC established a dedicated help desk at Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support exporters and strengthen trade and industrial development in Southern Balochistan.

PHDEC’s Karachi regional team conducted mango bagging demonstrations in Bela, promoting modern orchard practices to improve fruit quality, pest protection, and export potential.

PHDEC organized a webinar on export-oriented value addition in the potato sector, highlighting starch-based processing opportunities to boost industrial growth and exports.
PHDEC organized a webinar on value addition in floriculture, guiding stakeholders on transforming the sector into a high-value, export-oriented industry.
View All
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-19 at 11.03.11 PM
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-19 at 11.03.10 PM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-19 at 11.03.10 PM
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-19 at 11.03.08 PM

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.

Tenders & Notices

Career opportunities 17th May, 2026

Career opportunities 17th May,…

Learn more
Vacancy Announcement CEO-PHDEC 17th May, 2026

Vacancy Announcement CEO-PHDEC 17th…

Learn more
GCC Recommended Discharge Ports & Routes

GCC Recommended Discharge Ports…

Learn more
View All

Latest Videos

On 25th May, 2026, Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), organized an informative webinar on 'Export-Oriented Mango Harvesting, Post-Harvest Management (De-Sapping, Sorting), Processing, Packaging & Transportation Techniques'' .The session aimed to enhance awareness among growers, exporters, and stakeholders regarding standardized post-harvest practices, mechanized processing upgrades, and international quality compliance in the mango sector. It was highlighted that Pakistan currently ranks 7th globally in fresh mango exports; however, the sector is facing stiff competition from emerging mango-exporting nations like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ecuador. Despite successfully reaching markets across the Gulf, UK, EU, and Central Asia, the country has not been able to fully capitalize on its export potential due to inconsistent quality, poor grading, and high post-harvest disease susceptibility. Experts emphasized that Pakistan holds strong potential to expand fresh mango exports, but severe climate change impacts have devastated regions like Tando Allahyar, causing up to 75% crop loss recently. It was noted that fruit fly infestation, along with post-harvest diseases like anthracnose and stem-end rot, remain the most critical challenges affecting both shelf-life and international market access. Technical expert Dr. Muhammad Amin delivered a comprehensive and detailed presentation covering sustainable post-harvest practices and export-oriented processing lines. The experts highlighted that proper maturity assessment at harvest is critical, as immature harvesting leads to market rejection, while physical or lime-wash de-sapping methods are essential to prevent sap burn on the fruit's skin. The session emphasized that upgrading to fully mechanized processing lines—including potable washing, fungicidal dips, hot air drying, and mechanical grading—can significantly enhance uniformity and fruit quality. Experts further explained that utilizing ethylene gas for safe ripening, rather than calcium carbide, alongside single-layer packaging and QR code traceability, is highly effective for ensuring compliance with strict international quality standards. It was also shared that specific quarantine treatments are mandatory to access high-value destinations, including Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) for Japan and strict Hot Water Treatment (HWT) protocols (such as 45°C for 75 minutes for Iran). Participants were advised to ensure proper ventilation during post-harvest ripening to prevent issues like skin blackening, which is often exacerbated by over-covering the fruit and trapping CO₂. The importance of unifying domestic and export quality standards was also discussed, where cooperative models and grassroots-level farmer training can enable the industry to sustainably raise overall production quality. Stakeholders further proposed the formation of an expert working group to tackle severe climate-related financial losses, with plans to host a follow-up webinar in July after the harvesting season. The webinar concluded with a strong emphasis on aligning post-harvest processing with strict export requirements through mechanized grading, mandatory quarantine treatments, and collaborative action among academia, research institutions, and the industry to unlock the true export potential of Pakistan’s mango sector.
Export-Oriented Mango Harvesting, Processing, Packaging & Transportation Techniques
SPS Requirements for Recently Opened Cambodia Market for Pakistani Kinnow, Potato & Onion
On 14th May, 2026, Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a webinar on “Export-Oriented Value Addition of Potato with Emphasis on Starch-Based Opportunities and Applications” to highlight emerging opportunities in potato processing, industrial starch production, and export diversification amid the rapidly changing regional trade environment. The webinar focused on the urgent need to transform Pakistan’s potato sector from a fresh commodity-based export model toward high-value industrial processing and export-oriented value addition. Pakistan’s potato processing industry is currently operating significantly below its installed and potential capacity. Industry estimates indicate that Pakistan possesses the installed capacity to process nearly 5% of total potato production into value-added products including potato chips, frozen French fries, flakes, and starch. However, actual commercial utilization remains around only 1%, leaving approximately 4% additional processing capacity underutilized. This gap reflects a major opportunity for industrial expansion, export diversification, and investment in potato value addition. The webinar highlighted that Pakistan remains heavily dependent on fresh and chilled potato exports despite having strong raw material availability and favorable agro-climatic conditions for industrial potato production. Limited processing infrastructure, weak cold chain systems, insufficient contract farming arrangements, and lack of industrial-grade potato varieties continue to restrict the sector’s growth. Most local potato varieties contain only 10–12% starch, whereas Chinese and European industrial varieties contain 20–24% starch, making them commercially more suitable for starch extraction and processed potato industries. According to findings shared from the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) study titled “Value Added Processing of Potato in Pakistan,” the country’s current processing activities are largely limited to potato chips and frozen fries, while potato starch and other industrial potato products remain underdeveloped. The report identified strong future potential for potato processing industries due to surplus production, competitive raw material pricing, and growing regional demand. In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s potato production is projected to reach approximately 12 million tons by 2026 , while domestic consumption remains around 6 million tons, leaving a substantial and growing surplus. He noted that Afghanistan and Iran previously served as Pakistan’s dominant potato export markets; however, geopolitical disruptions and border-related challenges have significantly reduced the reliability of these markets. He stated that Pakistan continues exporting fresh potatoes at very low prices, creating limited economic returns and increasing market vulnerability. Dr. Azeem highlighted that value addition is now the most practical and strategic solution for managing surplus production and improving export earnings. He further stated that Pakistan’s horticulture sector currently adds value to less than 2% of total produce, considerably below regional competitors operating under similar agro-climatic conditions. He stressed that if adequate processing infrastructure had existed earlier, much of the current surplus could have been converted into high-value industrial products instead of being wasted or sold at depressed prices.
Export Oriented Value Addition of Potato with Emphasis on Starch Based Opportunities and Application
On 12th May 2026, The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a webinar on “Post-Harvest Management Strategies to Improve Quality for Garlic Export Enhancement” to promote modern post-harvest practices, improve export quality standards, and explore value-added opportunities for Pakistani garlic in international markets. The webinar brought together growers, exporters, researchers, academia, and stakeholders from the horticulture sector to discuss practical strategies for strengthening Pakistan’s garlic value chain and enhancing export competitiveness. Mr. Muhammad Ismael, Senior Scientific Officer, Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Swabi, delivered a detailed technical presentation covering garlic production, post-harvest management, and export quality enhancement practices. He discussed the major garlic varieties cultivated in Pakistan and introduced “Ema Queen,” an improved variety developed by ARS Swabi, highlighting its quality characteristics, adaptability, yield potential, and suitability for commercial cultivation and export purposes. He emphasized the importance of harvesting garlic at the proper maturity stage and explained best practices for harvesting, cleaning, handling, and transportation to minimize physical damage and reduce post-harvest losses. Mr. Ismael also provided detailed guidance on curing and drying techniques essential for producing export-quality garlic with improved shelf life, better appearance, and reduced moisture content. He explained that proper curing helps prevent fungal infections, maintain bulb quality, and improve storage performance. In addition, he highlighted international standards for sorting, grading, and packaging of garlic for export markets, stressing that proper size uniformity, quality inspection, and standardized packaging are critical for achieving better prices and market acceptance internationally. During the webinar, Mr. Muhammad Ismael also presented a project focused on the development, standardization, and commercialization of value-added garlic products aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing shelf life, and increasing income opportunities for farming communities. The project explores opportunities for garlic paste, dehydrated garlic powder, and other processed garlic products to promote value addition and strengthen Pakistan’s garlic export sector. Participants appreciated the technical information shared during the webinar and emphasized the need for practical training sessions, stronger coordination with agriculture extension departments, and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings to connect exporters with international buyers and expand garlic export opportunities for Pakistan.
Post Harvest Management Strategies to Improve Quality for Garlic Export Enhancement
Strengthening Food Safety in Pakistan: A Path to Stability and Growth | PHDEC Podcast 👥 Featuring: 🎤 Catherine Bessay — Senior Food Safety Officer, FAO 🏢 Hosted by — Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) In this insightful episode of the PHDEC Podcast, we sit down with Catherine Bessay, Senior Food Safety Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to explore Pakistan's evolving food control system and its journey toward becoming a globally trusted food supplier. Drawing on decades of international expertise, Catherine shares a forward-looking vision for Pakistan — a science-based, internationally aligned food safety framework built on Codex Alimentarius and EU compliance standards. 🔍 Key points discussed & takeaways of the episode: ✅ Pakistan's potential to emerge as a leading global food exporter ✅ Recent progress in reducing EU interceptions, especially pesticide residues ✅ Institutional reforms harmonizing federal and provincial food safety governance ✅ The shift toward risk-based inspection systems for smarter regulation ✅ Investments in laboratory infrastructure, accreditation, and national reference labs ✅ Strengthening phytosanitary and border control systems for export credibility ✅ The role of digital traceability, AI, and blockchain in the future of food safety ✅ Key challenges in implementation, coordination, and capacity building 🌍 Why it matters: These reforms are not only about safer food for Pakistani consumers — they are about positioning Pakistan as a competitive, credible, and reliable player in the global food trade. 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and SHARE this episode to support Pakistan's journey toward a stronger, safer, and more sustainable food future. #PHDEC #FoodSafety #Pakistan #FAO #FoodSecurity #HorticultureExports #CodexStandards #EUCompliance #AgricultureReform #FoodControl #ExportGrowth #SustainableAgriculture
Strengthening Food Safety in Pakistan: A Path to Stability and Growth
The Punjab Horticulture Development & Export Department successfully conducted a webinar focused on enhancing olive production in Balochistan through sustainable and market-oriented approaches. The session brought together agricultural experts, researchers, policymakers, and farmers to discuss innovative water-saving practices, including drip irrigation, deficit irrigation, and improved soil moisture management. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to optimize water use in Balochistan’s arid climate while maintaining productivity. The discussion also highlighted the importance of selecting suitable olive cultivars adapted to local environmental conditions, ensuring better yield stability, disease resistance, and oil quality. A significant portion of the webinar addressed strategies to unlock Balochistan’s export potential in the olive sector. Experts outlined key requirements for accessing international markets, including adherence to quality standards, certification processes, and improved post-harvest handling. The importance of developing strong value chains, branding, and market linkages was also emphasized to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global olive industry. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where participants engaged actively with experts, reflecting strong interest in adopting modern practices. Overall, the webinar provided practical insights and actionable recommendations to promote sustainable olive production and boost export opportunities in Balochistan.
Optimizing Olive Production in Balochistan
Load More... Subscribe

Product Brochures

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

View More

Our Partners

7
6
5
4
2
3
1
11
9
8

Find Us

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

Important Links

Social Media

Copyright ©2024 Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC). All Rights Reserved

WhatsApp Image 2026-06-22 at 10.56.20 AM
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-22 at 10.55.56 AM
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 12.18.29 PM
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-03 at 4.03.59 PM
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-10 at 7.27.30 PM
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-25 at 10.40.21 AM
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-25 at 10.40.20 AM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-25 at 10.40.20 AM
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-25 at 9.01.40 AM
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-25 at 9.01.19 AM