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Today, March 11, 2024, PHDEC hosted a webinar focusing on the intriguing topic of “Cultivation Techniques, Export Opportunities, and Potential of Elite Dates.” aimed to empower our valued farmers with the knowledge of advanced farming practices essential for ensuring optimal crop production and the cultivation of top-quality dates, leading to high yields.During the session, attendees had the opportunity to delve deeper into approved varieties of dates, understanding their salient characteristics, and engage in an interactive Q&A segment, fostering valuable insights and discussions.Thank you all for your active involvement and support in making this webinar a resounding success! Stay tuned for more enriching events from PHDEC as we continue our journey towards fostering excellence in horticulture and beyond.

February 14, 2024, PHDEC spearheaded a webinar focusing on “Improving Banana Fruit Quality through Farm Management Techniques.”The aim was crystal clear: to empower our growers/farmers with knowledge and insights into effective farming practices, particularly disease and pest control strategies, essential for enhancing crop quality and boosting exports of our beloved bananas!Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, from Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam delved into crucial aspects of banana orchard management: from soil quality to irrigation techniques, from combating biotic challenges to tackling dreaded diseases like Panama wilt and banana bunchy top virus. He further shed light on approved banana varieties with their distinct characteristics, paving way for informed decisions in banana cultivation.The turnout was overwhelming! Growers/farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and academia alike, all came together to embrace this initiative by PHDEC, recognizing its significance in transforming our agricultural landscape of Pakistan.

Today, PHDEC took a much needed step towards boosting Chilli production in Pakistan. The webinar delved into the intricacies of harvest and post-harvest management of chillies in Pakistan. The goal? To unite stakeholders for a comprehensive discussion on minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring top-notch quality Chillies for both domestic and International markets.As we’re in the midst of Chilli harvesting (ongoing until March), it’s crucial to handle it with care to guarantee premium quality. Recognizing the sensitivity, farmers and relevant stakeholders were educated on enhancing both quality and quantity. The response was phenomenal, with participants from growers, processors, exporters, R&D and academia applauding this initiative.PHDEC is committed to enhancing Chilli production, ensuring excellence from farm to market. Stay tuned for more updates on our endeavors!

Webinar on “Floriculture Sector in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges & Export Opportunities” aimed to provide guidance to progressive farmers and potential exporters on the lacunas of exporting fresh or dried flowers from Pakistan. Director Floriculture (Training and Research) from Agriculture Department Punjab, shed light on critical issues such as the availability of appropriate facilities for harvest and post-harvest management, inadequate storage facilities, outdated methods in processing/packing and the non-availability of cold chain facilities. He further emphasized the continued development of exports for high-quality flowers and bulbs into overseas markets with a special focus on roses for oil extraction. We at PHDEC extend a heartfelt thank you to the guest speaker and all participants who made this a success! Your enthusiasm and commitment to the growth of the floriculture sector in Pakistan are truly commendable.

Today, (December 28, 2023) PHDEC hosted a webinar titled “Enhancements in White Onion Through Good Agricultural Practices and Its Nutritional Benefits.” The aim was to guide growers/farmers in adopting effective farming practices for optimal white onion production and high yield. The webinar targeted processors, progressive growers, R&D, and entrepreneurs nationwide.Madam Mehvish Tahir, Scientific Officer, Vegetable Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, presented on crucial topics such as crop management, biotic factors, and prospects of white onions in China and other importing countries. The webinar was arranged in the wake of recent protocol signed with Chinese government on export of white onion to chinese market. In the next session of webinar, Trade Missions at China will be invited to highlight potential of the market and price offered by the competitors.