Govt. of Pakistan

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

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Seminars

Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC) seminar

CEO-PHDEC, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, represented PHDEC at the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC), where he highlighted key initiatives aimed at improving the quality and exportability of Pakistan’s horticultural produce. He discussed the introduction of solar dryers for chillies to address Aflatoxin issues, the implementation of mango and banana bagging projects to enhance fruit quality, and the establishment of mango drying units to promote value addition. Emphasizing PHDEC’s commitment to the sector, he reaffirmed unwavering support for exporters and growers of fruits and vegetables across Pakistan, ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in international markets.

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Workshops

Potato Export Prospects, Harvest Procedures, Processing Guidelines

(13th February, 2025), PHDEC conducted a workshop on Potato on the topic of Potato Export Prospects, Harvest Procedures, Processing Guidelines and Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance for the Exports in Collaboration with Potato Research Institute, Sahiwal to build the capacity of Potato stakeholders. Potato is a major vegetable of Pakistan in consumption & export terms, with an annual production of approximately 8.3 million metric tons (MMT) and over 750,000 tons to annual export volumes. The purpose of the workshop was to educate Potato growers/Exporters on the critical aspects of Potato harvest and post-harvest management and Phyto Issuances Procedures for Potato Exports.Trade missions from major importing countries were invited via Zoom to share market insights from their respective regions. These included:Dr. Kauser Ali Zaidi, Trade & Investment Minister, Kabul, AfghanistanMr. Attaullah- Trade & Investment Counsellor, Tashkent, UzbekistanMs. Tahira Javed- Trade & Investment Counsellor, Kualalampur, MalaysiaMs. Serrein Asad- Trade & Investment Attache, Doha, QatarThe workshops provided detailed presentations on topics such as growing high-quality Potatoes, as well as standard procedures for harvesting, processing, packing, and storage. Relevant pictures and videos were also shared to support the training. An expert from the DPP delivered a comprehensive presentation for the issuance of Phyto certificate as well covering key aspects such as documentation, inspection procedures, pest management standards, and adherence to global trade regulations. This session aimed to equip participants with the knowledge needed to streamline the export process and ensure timely shipments.

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Seminars

Seminar on mixed Vegetables

Seminar on Mixed Vegetables 30 Jan, 2025 Peshawar, KPK Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s vegetables are being demanded in almost all over the world. Presently KPK is exporting vegetables mainly to the Middle East, Far East, Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka. Peas, tomato, garlic, bitter gourd, chillies, cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, Brinjal & okra are few well exported vegetables from KPK. Keeping in view the export potential of above vegetables – Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), took a monumental step in the realm of horticulture by organizing a seminar on mix vegetables focused on production technology, export procedures and associated value chain challenges of major vegetables being produced & exported from KPK. The event, emphasized the significance of enhancing vegetable production and export opportunities in KPK. Primary Objectives of the seminar was training of the vegetable exporters, growers and farm managers on export procedures and agronomic/good agricultural practices. The secondary objective of the Workshop was to make linkages with the relevant stakeholders and ask for suggestions for interventions by the PHDEC related to product development and market promotion. Experts from department of plant protection, department of agriculture extension & FAO were invited to guide the participants on the said topic. A large number of growers, exporters, R&D and academia participated in the Seminar and appreciated the PHDEC’s initiative of conducting the seminar on an important topic of Export Procedures, Quality Control & Value Chain of Mix Vegetables. TIOs from top importing countries of mix vegetables were invited in the Seminar. All TIOs informed to growers on relevant market dynamic, price trends, SPS requirements, major importers and opportunities. These included:Mr. Ataullah, Trade & Investment Counsellor, Uzbekistan, TashkentMs. Serrein Asad, Trade & Investment Attache, Doha, Qatar,Ms. Mahwish Sami, Trade & Investment Attache, Sri Lanka, Colombo   Other events from PHDEC All Workshops Seminars Webinars SeminarsJanuary 31, 2025 Vegetables focused on Production technology, export procedures and associated value chain challenges of major vegetables being produced & exported from… Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s vegetables are being demanded in almost all over the world. Presently KPK is exporting vegetables mainly to the… 0 shares WebinarsJanuary 28, 2025 National Seminar on Chillies Today (27Jan 2025), the PHDEC team participated in a national seminar on chilies organized by the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute… 0 shares WebinarsJanuary 24, 2025 Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports (January 23, 2025), PHDEC conducted a webinar on the topic of ‘Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports.’ The primary aim… 0 shares WebinarsJanuary 15, 2025 2nd Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition PHDEC Hosts 2nd Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value AdditionToday (15-01-2025) Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company… 0 shares WebinarsJanuary 8, 2025 Agro Value Edition Agro Value Addition (8-01-2024 – Webinar) PHDEC Hosts Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition 08-01-2025 Pakistan… 0 shares Load More End of Content.

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Webinars

National Seminar on Chillies

Today (27Jan 2025), the PHDEC team participated in a national seminar on chilies organized by the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad. The CEO, PHDEC briefed the audience on the organization’s mandate and its role in uplifting the horticulture sector through product and market development.He emphasized the importance of controlling Aflatoxins and addressing Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) issues in both fresh and dried/powdered chilies to boost exports. The CEO also highlighted that PHDEC has secured approval for a commercial-scale project funded by the Export Development Fund (EDF). Through this initiative, approximately 35 solar tunnel dryers will be distributed among progressive chili growers and processors in Umerkot and its surrounding areas, the primary chili-producing hub in Sindh.Additionally, the CEO offered PHDEC’s support to both public and private sectors for any required assistance under the perview of PHDEC’s mandate. He encouraged AARI to develop pest- and disease-resistant, as well as climate-resilient, vegetable varieties, including chilies.He also informed the participants about the upcoming FOODAg Manufacturing Expo scheduled to be held from 26–28 February 2025 at the Expo Center, Lahore, and invited stakeholders from the sector to participate as exhibitors or visitors according to their areas of expertise.

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Webinars

Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports

(January 23, 2025), PHDEC conducted a webinar on the topic of ‘Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports.’ The primary aim of the webinar was to address SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) issues and provide valuable insights to stakeholders.Potato is one of Pakistan’s most important vegetables in terms of consumption and export, with an annual production of approximately 8.3 million metric tons (MMT) and export volumes exceeding 750,000 tons per year. As the potato export season begins, obtaining a phytosanitary certificate (commonly referred to as “Phyto”) is a mandatory requirement for shipments. Issued by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), this document is crucial for ensuring export compliance.Dr. Khalid Zafar from the Department of Plant Protection delivered a comprehensive presentation on Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports. His session covered critical aspects such as documentation, inspection procedures, pest management standards, and compliance with global trade regulations. Participants gained valuable insights into enhancing the quality and market access of Pakistan’s potato exports.Additionally, Mr. Attaullah, Trade and Investment Counselor (TIC) in Tashkent, shared updates on the Uzbek market for Pakistani potatoes. He highlighted that Uzbekistan is a significant potato consumer, with an annual consumption of approximately 4.3 MMT and local production of about 3 MMT. The remaining demand is met through imports, with Pakistan currently holding a 50% share of its imports. He noted that Kazakhstan, a key supplier to Uzbekistan, has imposed a six-month ban on potato exports. This development presents an opportunity for Pakistan to expand its share in the Uzbek market. Mr. Attaullah also outlined the regulatory requirements for accessing the Uzbek market.The webinar attracted a large number of participants, including exporters and R&D professionals, who appreciated PHDEC’s initiative in organizing the event.

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Webinars

2nd Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition

PHDEC Hosts 2nd Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value AdditionToday (15-01-2025) Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organized 2nd interactive session to engage major stakeholders and entrepreneurs involved in the value addition of agro products. The session aimed to provide insights into the upcoming FoodAg Manufacturing Expo, scheduled to be held from 26th to 28th February 2025 in Lahore, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).The expo will host leading international companies specializing in manufacturing value addition machinery and value-added agro products. Local manufacturers and companies engaged in value addition were invited to the session to familiarize themselves with the event and its significance.During the session, the CEO, PHDEC delivered a detailed presentation on the potential of the FoodAg Manufacturing Expo. He highlighted how this platform would serve as a valuable interface for Pakistani stakeholders to explore advanced technologies used globally in the agro sector. He emphasized the opportunity to gain innovative ideas for enhancing value addition within Pakistan’s horticulture and agro-industries.This initiative underscores PHDEC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the agro-value addition sector, ensuring Pakistani businesses remain competitive in the international market.

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Webinars

Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports

(January 23, 2025), PHDEC conducted a webinar on the topic of ‘Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports.’ The primary aim of the webinar was to address SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) issues and provide valuable insights to stakeholders.Potato is one of Pakistan’s most important vegetables in terms of consumption and export, with an annual production of approximately 8.3 million metric tons (MMT) and export volumes exceeding 750,000 tons per year. As the potato export season begins, obtaining a phytosanitary certificate (commonly referred to as “Phyto”) is a mandatory requirement for shipments. Issued by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), this document is crucial for ensuring export compliance.Dr. Khalid Zafar from the Department of Plant Protection delivered a comprehensive presentation on Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports. His session covered critical aspects such as documentation, inspection procedures, pest management standards, and compliance with global trade regulations. Participants gained valuable insights into enhancing the quality and market access of Pakistan’s potato exports.Additionally, Mr. Attaullah, Trade and Investment Counselor (TIC) in Tashkent, shared updates on the Uzbek market for Pakistani potatoes. He highlighted that Uzbekistan is a significant potato consumer, with an annual consumption of approximately 4.3 MMT and local production of about 3 MMT. The remaining demand is met through imports, with Pakistan currently holding a 50% share of its imports. He noted that Kazakhstan, a key supplier to Uzbekistan, has imposed a six-month ban on potato exports. This development presents an opportunity for Pakistan to expand its share in the Uzbek market. Mr. Attaullah also outlined the regulatory requirements for accessing the Uzbek market.The webinar attracted a large number of participants, including exporters and R&D professionals, who appreciated PHDEC’s initiative in organizing the event.

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