Seminars

Export of GB Cherries to China: LessonsLearned, Future Strategies & PHDEC Project on Development of High-DemandCherry Varieties

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  • October 8, 2024

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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Seminars

Mango Bagging Initiative Boost Pakistan’s Mango IndustryMultan

PHDEC Pre-Season Seminar and Mango Bagging Initiative Boost Pakistan’s Mango IndustryMultan, 29-5-2024 – The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), committed to advancing the horticulture sector, has initiated the Mango Bagging program in Sindh and Punjab, offering substantial commercial benefits. PHDEC distributed approximately 70,000 bags in Sindh while about 80,000 bags in Multan among the progressive mango growers for the season 2024. The Mango Bagging initiative, which began as a pilot in 2023 with the distribution of 150,000 bags in Sindh and Punjab, received positive feedback for enhancing fruit quality and appearance. This mango bagging technique, widely practiced by mango-producing countries, has proven highly beneficial. It enhances the fruit’s visual appeal, reduces the need for pesticides, and protects against insects and pests, including fruit flies, which are quarantine concerns. Ultimately, it improves overall fruit quality.In addition, PHDEC organized a Mango Seminar in collaboration with the Mango Research Institute (MRI) Multan, focusing on enhancing mango quality, minimizing post-harvest losses, and promoting mango bagging SOPs. Mangoes, a major fruit crop in Pakistan’s horticulture sector, are harvested from End May to September each year. The seminar aimed to educate farmers, processors, and exporters, enhancing their understanding of best practices and technologies. Experts discussed standard harvest, post-harvest handling, processing, and packing procedures in detail during the seminar.Despite being the world’s fifth-largest mango producer with the annual production of about 1.8MMT, Pakistan exports only 6-7% of its fresh mangoes. The bagging initiative seeks to boost exports by improving fruit quality, making Pakistani mangoes more competitive in high-end international markets.Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, CEO of PHDEC, underscored the importance of the pilot project and stressed the need for collaboration with stakeholders to improve mango quality, increase market share, and enhance exports to premium markets.Keynote speaker Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Grewal, former Director of MRI, opened the session with an in-depth presentation on managing mango orchards in the context of climate change. He highlighted the importance of protecting the mango plant’s stem from sun exposure, detailed the irrigation cycle’s role in minimizing fruit drop, and emphasized post-harvest care for next year’s yield. Mr. Grewal provided a comprehensive guide on Good Agricultural Practices to maintain plant health, which is crucial for high-quality fruit and yield. He also shared detailed nutrition and pest management plans with the growers.Dr. Javed Iqbal, a Senior Scientist from the Mango Research Station (Shujabad), discussed mango orchard management and the benefits of mango bagging for yield and quality. His presentation covered the maturity indices of bagged fruit and stressed the importance of harvesting only mature fruit for optimal quality. Dr. Iqbal also highlighted the commercial advantages of mango bagging, such as reducing post-harvest diseases and damage, preserving fruit color, decreasing the need for pesticides, and protecting against pests like fruit flies. He recommended a bagging duration of 30-45 days and provided detailed post-harvest management practices.Dr. M. Amin, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at IUB, detailed harvesting, post-harvest handling, and processing methods. He explained de-sapping techniques and shared SOPs for hot water and vapor heat treatments. Dr. Amin also discussed the maturity indices for Sindhri, SB Chaunsa, and White Chaunsa varieties, highlighting their role in proper ripening and extending the shelf life of mangoes.Mr. Saqib Ali Akeel, Secretary of Agriculture for South Punjab, and Mr. Raza Salik, Director of MRI, appreciated PHDEC’s initiatives, expressing optimism about the positive impacts on growers and Pakistani mango exports.Mr. Khawar Nadeem, Manager of Agri Products at PHDEC, thanked the participants for their involvement. He emphasized that PHDEC is a leading public sector organization dedicated to advancing Pakistan’s horticulture sector through innovative initiatives and strategic collaborations. Committed to sustainability and excellence, PHDEC aims to empower growers and exporters while meeting the demands of discerning consumers worldwide.

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Projects Seminars

Mango Bagging initiative to boost the Mango industry of Pakistan

The Mango Bagging initiative, piloted in 2023 received positive feedback for improving fruit quality and appearance. Following its success, PHDEC distributed an additional 150,000 bags this season (2024).Despite being the fifth-largest mango-producing country, only 6-7% of Pakistan’s mango production is exported fresh. The bagging initiative aims to increase exports by enhancing fruit quality, making Pakistani mangoes more competitive in high-end international markets.Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, CEO of PHDEC, highlighted the pilot project’s importance and emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to enhance mango quality, increase market share, and boost exports to high-end markets.Keynote speaker Dr. Javed Iqbal, Senior Scientist from Mango Research Station (Shujabad) provided insights on mango orchard management and the benefits of mango bagging for yield and quality. He further highlighted the significant commercial advantages of Mango Bagging, including the reduction of post-harvest diseases and damages, preservation of fruit color, decreased reliance on additional pesticide spraying and protection against pests such as fruit flies, especially given their status as quarantine pests. He recommended a bagging duration of 30-45 days for mango fruit.Mr. Mahmood Nawaz Shah, President Sindh Abadagar Board, and Mr. Nadeem Shah, Vice President, Sindh Abadagar Board, lauded PHDEC’s initiative, expecting positive outcomes for growers and Pakistani mango exports.Mr. Khawar Nadeem, Manager Agri Products PHDEC, thanked the participants for their time and further re-iterated PHDEC’s dedication in promoting and enhancing the horticulture sector in Pakistan through innovative initiatives and strategic collaborations.

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Seminars

Pre-Season Seminar on Mango

Pre-Season Seminar on Mango PHDEC in pursuance of its mandate on product development held a pre-season seminar on mango. CEO PHDEC, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar welcomed the guests and thanked the speakers for taking time out of their already very busy schedules.Dr. Waqar Ahmed, Sector Advisor (Horticulture) briefed about the harvesting time & methods and explained how mature stage plucking is important to produce optimum quality mango. He laid special emphasis on internationally adopted Post-harvest/handling techniques and its importance to maintain quality.Mr Javed Iqbal, Principle Scientist Horticulture, Mango Research Station’Shujabad. Multan, focused on briefing participants on pruning and explained that it tends to stimulate shoot development in mango trees usually resulting in vigorous vegetative re-growth. He stated that pruning is usually carried out to re-shape trees and open up the centers, allowing free movement of air and sunlight resulting in high yield and premium quality fruit for the next season.

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Seminars

End of Season Seminar on Citrus

End of Season Seminar on Citrus PHDEC in pursuance of its mandate organised an “End of Season Seminar on Citrus” in collaboration with College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha. A large number of exporters/processors, growers, experts from R&D, and Academia participated in the seminar physically and through Zoom link. CEO, PHDEC Mr. Athar Khokhar welcomed the participants and briefed on the mandate of PHDEC. In continuation, Prof. Dr. Athar Nadeem, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, appreciated the efforts of PHDEC and extended college’s full support in future.Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Khan, Director Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha enlightened the participants on production technology and good agricultural practices for Citrus to get good quality and yield.Mr. Muhammad Riaz shared the current status of citrus exports and challenges being faced by the exporters. Mr. Abdul Rehman, Assistant Plant Pathologist, Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha, and Mr. Abdul Raheem Khan shared valuable information on how to control blemishes in the orchard and harvest/post-harvest handling of citrus fruit to minimise post-harvest losses. While concluding, Mr. Khawar Nadeem, from PHDEC, informed the participants on PHDEC’s upcoming activities and ensured that PHDEC will continue such activities in the production hubs of horticultural products.

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Seminars

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company arranged a post-season mango seminar in Multan

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company arranged a post-season mango seminar in Multan. The seminar aimed at reviewing the overall performance of mango industry as a whole for the season-2020, highlighting the issues faced at both supply and demand sides. The stakeholders were consulted for a short, mid and long term strategy to enhance mango exports for the upcoming season. Emerging PakistanMango Research Institute, Multan Rep, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Directorate General Punjab., Agriculture Department PunjabMango Research Station Shujabad

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Seminars

Improvising Global Health with Eastern Medicine

Mr. Raja Zulqarnain Zaka from Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company attended the 3rd Professor Dr. Usman Ghani Khan Memorial International Seminar on “Improvising Global Health with Eastern Medicine”. The seminar aimed at promoting the production and use of medicinal plants and its associated products with a prime focus on export enhancement. The seminar was held at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan. Key stakeholders such as Herbion Pakistan, Hamdard Pakistan and Qarshi Industries also graced their presence.

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Seminars

Potato challenges and prospects Okara

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company held a seminar on Potato challenges and prospects, at potato producing hub, OKARA on October 13, 2020. A large number of growers, processors and exporters attended the seminar. The speakers highlighted issues in production, processing and export of potatoes. PHDEC’s efforts to gather growers, processors and exporters on a single platform were greatly lauded by Potato growers society OKARA and other stakeholders in attendance. Emerging PakistanMinistry of National Food Security & ResearchPotato Growers Coop Society PakistanDepartment of Plant Protection – DPP Agriculture Department Punjab

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