Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan
Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Today, PHDEC successfully conducted a webinar titled “Chilgoza Pine Forests: Restoration for Ecosystems and Improved Livelihood of Mountain Farming Communities in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).” The session featured Mr. Hasil Khan as the presenter, with key insights provided by Mr. Niamat Ullah, Research Fellow at PARC-MARC Gilgit, who shared his expertise on the local supply chain of Chilgoza pine nuts.Dr. Tetsuro Hosaka from Hiroshima University Japan also shared his views on one of the costiliest produce from Pakistan appreciating PHDEC for this initiative.The webinar primarily focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with restoring Chilgoza pine forests and improving the local supply chain in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) is a vital resource for the region’s ecological health and a key source of livelihood for mountain farming communities. However, the Chilgoza pine nut supply chain faces several challenges, including deforestation, poor storage facilities, limited market access, and high transportation costs due to inadequate infrastructure.The webinar underscored the importance of forest conservation and reforestation initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of Chilgoza pine forests. The integration of sustainable practices within the supply chain, along with support from the government and market players, will not only restore ecological balance but also boost the livelihoods of mountain farming communities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Today (22nd Oct, 2024), PHDEC conducted a workshop on “Banana Pre-Harvest, Harvest, Post-Harvest Handling, Processing, Packaging, Storage, and Reefer Transportation” in collaboration with Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences in the Uthal region of Balochistan. PHDEC aimed to educate banana growers in Uthal on the critical aspects of banana harvest and post-harvest management. Banana is grown on approximately 90,000 acres in Pakistan, with the Uthal region contributing around 26% of the total cultivation. Major export destinations for Pakistani bananas include Iran, Afghanistan, and, to a lesser extent, Central Asian Republics (CARs). There is significant potential to increase exports to CARs, provided the cosmetic appeal, quality and packaging of the fruit is improved.Experts from various organizations provided valuable insights on producing high-quality bananas, including best practices for harvesting, post-harvest handling, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation. Growers were informed about key factors that impact both yield and quality. The importance of maintaining optimal storage temperatures to preserve fruit quality was also highlighted.The National Logistics Cell (NLC) presented their reefer transportation services for shipping bananas from Pakistan to CARs, while a representative from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) explained the regulatory requirements of importing countries and how to comply with them.Growers were also informed about the tissue culture plants of banana, its impotence for producing good quality and high yield of banana fruit. A complete guidance right from the germplasm/nursery to end consumer was given to the banana growers.Growers expressed their appreciation for PHDEC’s initiative and requested that such workshops continue, as many were previously unfamiliar with this essential information.
Today at 11 am, PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Green Defence: Microbial Biofungicides for Food Security and Sustainable Horticulture” aimed to address growing challenges of food security in the context of rising global populations and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.Dr. Zulqarnain provided a comprehensive overview of how plant diseases, which account for up to 40% of crop losses globally, are a significant threat to food production. The discussion centered on the rising use of microbial biofungicides—derived from natural organisms like bacteria and fungi—as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. These biofungicides offer multiple advantages, including reduced toxicity, minimal environmental impact, and lower risk of resistance development among pathogens.The session concluded with an emphasis on integrating biofungicides into Pakistan’s horticultural sector to meet growing food demands, highlighting the potential for research partnerships and policy advocacy. A large number of stakeholders including growers, farmers, processors, academia, R&D and general people participated in the webinar.
Today (October 10, 2024), PHDEC successfully conducted a webinar on “Harvest and Post-harvest Management of Chillies.”Pakistan ranks as the 4th largest chilli producer globally, with an annual output of 143,000 tonnes over 150,000 acres. Sindh alone produces 126,000 tonnes, contributing approximately 88% of the country’s total chilli production. This dominance presents significant potential for value-added chilli products.Chillies are highly sensitive to improper handling, particularly during harvesting and post-harvesting processes, which can directly affect quality and yield. Recognizing this, PHDEC organized the webinar to educate chilli farmers, growers, and key farm workers on best practices for managing harvest and post-harvest operations.The event saw a large turnout, with participants from across the farming community, processors, exporters, researchers, and academia. Attendees expressed their appreciation for PHDEC’s timely initiative in addressing this crucial topic.
PHDEC Hosts Seminar in Gilgit on Cherry Exports to China: A LandmarkMilestone and Future StrategiesGilgit, 3rd October 2024 – The Pakistan Horticulture Development & ExportCompany (PHDEC), under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan,successfully held a one-day seminar titled “Export of GB Cherries to China: LessonsLearned, Future Strategies & PHDEC Project on Development of High-DemandCherry Varieties” at Avari Xpress Gilgit. The seminar, held on 3rd October 2024,brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, exporters,processors, researchers, representatives from academia, the Chambers ofCommerce and Industry, government departments, and business supportorganizations from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).The event marked a historic achievement for Pakistan, celebrating the successfulexport of the first-ever consignment of cherries from GB to China. The milestone,seen as a breakthrough in the region’s horticultural sector, highlights the exportpotential of GB cherries and sets the stage for future growth.PHDEC’s CEO opened the event by welcoming participants and reaffirming PHDEC’sunwavering commitment to supporting the horticulture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.He emphasized that following the success of the first cherry exports to China,PHDEC is now embarking on a new project to develop high-demand cherry varietiesthat will further enhance Pakistan’s position in the global market.Presentations were made by key experts including Mr. Iqbal Hussain from theAgriculture Department, Mr. Nazir Ali from the Trade Development Authority ofPakistan (TDAP), and exporters Mr. Faisal Mir and Mr. Arman Shah, as well asfarmers’ representatives, Mr. Chirag and Usman. The discussions focused on thesuccess of the initial exports, lessons learned, and future strategies for scaling upproduction and improving the supply chain.Mr. Faisal Mir reflected on the lessons learned from the first export initiative,expressing optimism that with continued dedication, GB could achieve an exporttarget of 100,000 tonnes of cherries by 2030. Mr. Arman Shah provided a detailedoverview of the cherry supply chain, while Mr. Nazir Ali highlighted the joint effortsof PHDEC, TDAP, NLC, DPP, M/s Hashwan Traders, and local departments thatcontributed to the success of the project.Dr. Mubarak Ahmed, Consultant for the Agro Division at TDAP, shared his insightson the export potential of GB cherries, noting the enthusiasm within the sector andthe commitment of various departments to support horticultural growth in theregion. Sector expert, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Ghazi, addressed the need for improvedcoordination among departments to fully capitalize on GB’s cherry exportpotential.The event concluded with closing remarks from Brig (R) Saleem Mahmood of GreenPakistan, who praised the agricultural heritage of GB, where nearly everyhousehold owns fruit trees. He expressed confidence that with continueddedication to agriculture, GB will achieve its goals and foster the prosperityenvisioned for the region.A notable highlight of the event was the strong participation of women farmers,processors, and traders, reflecting the inclusive nature of the horticulture sector inGB.The seminar not only celebrated the success of the cherry exports but also pavedthe way for future collaborations and strategies to strengthen Pakistan’shorticultural exports, particularly in high-demand international markets like China.
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