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.
