Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan
Workshops
Potato Workshop – Okara
- by admin
- December 12, 2024
Harvest, Post-harvest Handling, Processing and Storage of Potato Today (12-12-2024), PHDEC organized a workshop on Potato in Okara, Following are the highlights: Okara (اوکاڈہ) – 12 Dec,2024 Today (12-12-2024), PHDEC organized a workshop on Potato in Okara, Pakistan’s major potato-producing hub. The workshop covered crucial topics, including Harvest, Post-harvest Handling, Processing and Storage of Potato. Potato is Pakistan’s most significant crop, with an annual production of about 8.3 million metric tons. Proper harvest and post-harvest handling are critical to preserving potato quality for export, as mishandling can lead to quality deterioration and reduced yields. Trade missions of potential countries were invited to share the market insght and sps requirements along with the buyers preferences. 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, Afghanistan, Ms. Sadia Khan, Trande & Investment Counselor, Jeddah, KSA, Ms.Serrein Asad, Trade & Investment Attache, Doha, Qatar, Ms. Tahira Javed, Trade & Investment Counselor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia & Mr. Zain Aziz, Trade & Investment Attaché, Dhaka, Bangladesh, In addition, the key issue discussed was the management of smog’s after effects, with experts from the Potato Research Institute, Okara providing in-depth guidance. The session was attended by prominent growers, processors, and exporters. Given the ongoing Potato export season, which runs until April, stakeholders were invited to receive timely guidance. Experts emphasized the need for special care and management of smog-affected potato crop and shared best agricultural practices for post-harvest handling. Trade missions also provided valuable market insights. Participants appreciated PHDEC’s efforts in sector development and its timely interventions to support the Potato industry. PHDEC’s other past events: All Workshops Webinars Seminars WorkshopsDecember 10, 2024 Workshop on Citrus in Bhalwal, Pakistan’s major Kinnow-producing hub Today (December 10, 2024), PHDEC organized a workshop on Citrus in Bhalwal, Pakistan’s major Kinnow-producing hub. The workshop covered crucial… Read More WebinarsNovember 28, 2024 Climate Change: Impact of Smog and Fog on Potato Crop & Remedial Measures Today (November 27, 2024), PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Climate Change: Impact of Smog and Fog on Potato Crop &… Read More WebinarsNovember 22, 2024 Harvest and Post-harvest Management of Citrus Fruits Today (November 21, 2024), PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Harvest and Post-harvest Management of Citrus Fruits”. The aim was to… Read More WorkshopsNovember 13, 2024 Improving the quality of Pakistani chilies for export Today (November 12, 2024), Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organized a workshop at the Arid Zone Research Center… Read More SeminarsNovember 7, 2024 The Dynamics of Vegetable Exports: Procedures, Quality Control & Value Chain PHDEC hosted a pivotal seminar on “The Dynamics of Vegetable Exports: Procedures, Quality Control & Value Chain” at the IAS… Read More
Workshops
Workshop on Citrus in Bhalwal, Pakistan’s major Kinnow-producing hub
- by admin
- December 10, 2024
Harvest, Post-harvest Handling, Processing, Packing, and Storage of Kinnow Workshop on Citrus in Bhalwal – 10 Dec, 2024 (December 10, 2024), PHDEC organized a workshop on Citrus in Bhalwal, Pakistan’s major Kinnow-producing hub. The workshop covered crucial topics, including Harvest, Post-harvest Handling, Processing, Packing, and Storage of Kinnow Fruit. 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, Afghanistan Ms. Tahira Javed, Trade & Investment Counselor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ms. Mehwish Sami, Trade & Investment Attaché, Colombo, Sri Lanka Mr. Zain Aziz, Trade & Investment Attaché, Dhaka, Bangladesh. In addition, the key issue discussed was the management of smog’s aftereffects, with experts from the Citrus Research Institute Sargodha providing in-depth guidance. The session was attended by prominent growers, processors, and exporters. Citrus is Pakistan’s most significant fruit crop, with an annual production of about 2.4 million metric tons. Proper harvest and post-harvest handling are critical to preserving fruit quality for export, as mishandling can lead to quality deterioration and reduced yields. Given the ongoing Kinnow export season, which runs until April, stakeholders were invited to receive timely guidance. Experts emphasized the need for special care and management of smog-affected plants and shared best agricultural practices for post-harvest handling. Trade missions also provided valuable market insights. Participants appreciated PHDEC’s efforts in sector development and its timely interventions to support the Kinnow industry.
Webinars
Climate Change: Impact of Smog and Fog on Potato Crop & Remedial Measures
- by admin
- November 28, 2024
Today (November 27, 2024), PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Climate Change: Impact of Smog and Fog on Potato Crop & Remedial Measures.”PHDEC aimed to address the impact of fog, smog, and other air pollutants on potato crops. It is observed by the relevant potato research institute that the smoggy and foggy weather in Punjab has significantly affected the potato crop, potentially leading to an alarming 20% reduction in yield. To mitigate the effects of this adverse weather and manage the situation, implementing expert-recommended best agricultural practices is crucial.Recognizing the gravity of the issue, PHDEC organized this webinar to share practical recommendations and strategies for managing the impact of smog on potato crops, with a special focus on maintaining yield and quality.Dr. Syed Ijaz-Ul-Hassan Director, Potato Research Institute, Sahiwal discussed the effects of climate change on potato crop & expected losses in yield due to smog & fog. He also discussed about long term & short term strategies to minimize the losses.Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Sajid, Principal Scientist, Potato Research Station Sahowali, Sialkot enlighten the audience on visible symptoms & diseases caused by the said weather & mitigation strategies to overcome the diseases.
Webinars
Harvest and Post-harvest Management of Citrus Fruits
- by admin
- November 22, 2024
Today (November 21, 2024), PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Harvest and Post-harvest Management of Citrus Fruits”. The aim was to discuss harvesting, post-harvest handling of citrus to minimize the post-harvest losses and availability of premium quality citrus in domestic and international high-end-markets. The harvesting of citrus is in progress and will continue till the end of March. Citrus is more sensitive and responsive towards mishandling and malpractices of harvesting and post-harvesting. Keeping this in view, PHDEC aimed to educate farmers, key farm workers on proper harvest, postharvest handling, processing, packing, storage and transportation of citrus fruit for exports. A large number of participants from growers, processors, exporters, R&D, and academia participated in the webinar and appreciated the PHDEC’s initiative for conducting the webinar on the important topic of harvest & post-harvest management.
Workshops
Improving the quality of Pakistani chilies for export
- by admin
- November 13, 2024
Today (November 12, 2024), Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organized a workshop at the Arid Zone Research Center (AZRC) in Umerkot, Sindh, aimed at improving the quality of Pakistani chilies for export. A key highlight of the workshop was the introduction of the Solar Tunnel Dryers for Export-Quality Dried Chilies project, funded by the Export Development Fund (EDF) and executed with PHDEC support at AZRC.Chili is one of Pakistan’s primary vegetable crops, producing approximately 143,000 tons annually, largely cultivated in Sindh. Pakistani chilies are exported in fresh, dried, and powdered forms. However, the export market faces two significant challenges: aflatoxin contamination and Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) violations. These issues have led to the rejection of chili consignments, posing a serious risk to Pakistan’s export potential and risking potential bans in international markets. Proper drying and post-harvest handling are essential to manage aflatoxin contamination effectively.In response, PHDEC, in collaboration with AZRC, launched the Promotion of Solar Tunnel Dryers for Exportable Chilies project, funded by EDF. This initiative involves distributing 34 solar tunnel dryers to chili farmers and exporters in Umerkot and Kunri to help control aflatoxin levels and produce export-grade chilies. By promoting these dryers, PHDEC aims to spread awareness among chili sector stakeholders about effective post-harvest techniques that will enhance the quality and exportability of Pakistani chilies.The workshop featured an in-depth presentation on the causes of aflatoxin contamination, along with practical control measures. Additionally, to address the MRL concerns, experts presented a comprehensive plan outlining recommended pesticides, application timing, and Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHIs) to help farmers comply with export safety standards.The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where participants expressed appreciation for PHDEC’s efforts in supporting Pakistan’s chili industry. Through initiatives like this, PHDEC is committed to empowering the chili sector with sustainable practices to boost exports and ensure compliance with international standards.
Seminars
The Dynamics of Vegetable Exports: Procedures, Quality Control & Value Chain
- by admin
- November 7, 2024
PHDEC hosted a pivotal seminar on “The Dynamics of Vegetable Exports: Procedures, Quality Control & Value Chain” at the IAS auditorium, University of the Punjab, Lahore. The session addressed Pakistan’s surge in vegetable exports—reaching 1.126 million metric tons valued at $430 million in the FY ending June 2024—and the growing need for compliance with international standards.Key discussions included the challenges of food safety (SPS measures), traceability, agro-chemical residues, Good Agricultural Practices, and quarantine treatments to reduce post-harvest issues. Experts from the Department of Plant Protection, Punjab Agriculture Department, and the Department of Horticulture (Punjab University) provided insights on best practices and strategies to tackle these barriers.Primary objective was to train exporters, growers, and farm managers on export protocols and agronomic standards, while also strengthening linkages with stakeholders for enhanced product development and market access.The event saw active participation from growers, exporters, R&D professionals, and academia, all of whom appreciated PHDEC’s initiative in addressing critical quality control and value chain topics essential for maintaining and growing Pakistan’s position in global vegetable markets.
