Webinars

Cherry Orchard Management Techniques (GAP) for Premium Quality & High Yield

• by admin
• April 3, 2025

(26 March, 2025), PHDEC organized a webinar on the topic of “Cherry Orchard Management Techniques (GAP) for Premium Quality & High Yield”. The cherry blossom season in regions like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Ghizar, Quetta, Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, Zhob, Mastung, Loralai, Swat & Chitral usually starts around March and extends into April. So, keeping in view the ongoing cherry blossom season and upcoming fruiting season of the product, PHDEC chose this time frame to educate the cherry farmers/growers, key farm workers on the subject. Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Ghazi, Value Chain Expert in horticulture products especially in cherry sector of GB was invited to enlighten the small holders of cherry on Integrated Pest and Disease Management, Pruning and Canopy Management, Disposal of Infected Plant Material, Post-Harvest Activities & Overview of GAP certification process for premium quality yield.

Webinars

Panama Disease of Banana

• by admin
• March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025, PHDEC conducted a webinar on “Panama Disease of Banana: Advancing Knowledge and Research for Sustainable Disease Management Solutions.” The webinar aimed to educate growers and farmers about Panama wilt disease, its symptoms, and effective management strategies.Panama disease is a highly destructive fungal disease that poses a significant threat not only to Pakistan’s banana industry but also to major banana-producing countries worldwide. Farmers require comprehensive guidelines to identify, diagnose, and manage the disease using recommended agricultural practices.To address this critical issue, PHDEC engaged experts from Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, who have conducted extensive research on Panama wilt disease. Dr. Rehana Naz Syed, Professor, Department of Plant Protection, Sindh Agriculture University, delivered a detailed presentation on banana orchard management, Panama wilt disease, its symptoms both external and internal, and its control measures.She emphasized that there is no cure for Panama disease once it infects a field, as it is a soil-borne disease. The only effective approach is to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent further spread. Therefore, she stressed to keep monitoring and be vigilant to identify the disease. Dr. Syed shared a standardized protocol for managing Panama disease, which includes:

Webinars

Grapes Orchard Management for Better Quality and High Yield

• by admin
• March 13, 2025

Today (13 March, 2025) PHDEC, organized a webinar on the topic of “Grapes Orchard Management for Better Quality and High Yield” in collaboration with FAO Balochistan.Grape’s cultivation has gained momentum in Pakistan due to its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Grapes thrives in tropical climates, making it suitable for different regions of the country. Grapevines typically flower in the spring, from mid of the march to late may (depending on locality & grape’s variety). This happens when average daily temperatures are between 59 and 68 °F.Keeping in view the above, PHDEC conducted a webinar on Grapes Orchard Management. The objective of the webinar was to guide farmers about orchard management of grapes crop for upcoming season to get maximum & better-quality yield.The expert from FAO Balochistan, guided the participants on area/site selection, grapes variety selection, modern production technologies, trenches vs trellis system, pruning methods for grape vines, agronomic practices & soil management.

Webinars

Interactive Session for Olive Growers

• by admin
• March 12, 2025

PHDEC, in collaboration with CEFORT (Chakwal), organized an Interactive Session for Olive Growers.The session provided growers with an opportunity to directly engage with experts and seek guidance on various aspects of olive cultivation and management.Olive cultivation in Pakistan began in 1991 with a few hundred plants and has now successfully expanded to approximately 51,000 acres with approximately 6.3 Million plants. The country has huge potential for olive production, with around 10 million acres of land suitable for cultivation, almost twice the area of Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer. Currently, Pakistan produces about 861 tons of table olives annually, all of which are consumed domestically. With a vision to enhance self-sufficiency, Pakistan has set a target of producing 4,600 tons of olive oil by 2030 to reduce its reliance on imports. The key regions suitable for olive cultivation include Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Punjab, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).Recognizing the vast potential of this crop and to better understand and address the real-time challenges faced by olive growers in various regions of Pakistan, PHDEC has organized this interactive session, bringing together olive experts to provide guidance and solutions to growers and stakeholders. The experts from CEFORT provided in-depth insights into advanced olive production technologies, helping growers enhance their orchard management practices.During the session, participants also expressed interest in learning about export procedures for olive oil and other value-added products. In response, PHDEC plans to organize future webinars and workshops focusing on export regulations, branding, certification, and related aspects to support and empower stakeholders in the olive sector.

Webinars

Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards

• by admin
• March 6, 2025

Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards Today (06 March 2025), PHDEC conducted a webinar on the “Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards” to enhance yield and improve fruit quality. Citrus holds a significant position in Pakistan’s fruit production, with an annual output of approximately 2.4 million metric tons (MMT). Kinnow remains the dominant variety grown in the country. However, Kinnow exports have been declining due to quality concerns and low yields, largely attributed to insect and pest infestations and a lack of awareness among farmers regarding good agricultural practices.As the current harvest season nears its conclusion, it is crucial to begin orchard preparations for the next crop to ensure better yield and quality. In this context, PHDEC organized this important webinar, featuring citrus experts from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI) to train farmers on effective orchard management techniques.Mr. A. Rehman, Senior Scientist at CRI, delivered a comprehensive presentation, guiding farmers on orchard pruning and sharing a detailed plan for insect, pest, and disease control. He emphasized the need for vigilance against pest attacks, explaining their symptoms, timing, and preventive measures. He also shared a detailed plan for nutrition and irrigation management of whole year.The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where participants appreciated PHDEC’s timely efforts in building their capacity and supporting the citrus industry.

Webinars

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

• by admin
• March 4, 2025

PHDEC Hosts 2nd Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition(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.

Webinars

Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition

• by admin
• March 4, 2025

PHDEC Hosts Interactive Session to Engage Key Stakeholders in Agro Value Addition(08-01-2025) Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organized an 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.

Webinars

Phyto Issuance Procedures for Potato Exports

• by admin
• January 24, 2025

(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.

Webinars

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

• by admin
• January 15, 2025

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.

Webinars

Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards

• by admin
• March 6, 2025

Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards Today (06 March 2025), PHDEC conducted a webinar on the “Postharvest Management of Citrus Orchards” to enhance yield and improve fruit quality. Citrus holds a significant position in Pakistan’s fruit production, with an annual output of approximately 2.4 million metric tons (MMT). Kinnow remains the dominant variety grown in the country. However, Kinnow exports have been declining due to quality concerns and low yields, largely attributed to insect and pest infestations and a lack of awareness among farmers regarding good agricultural practices.As the current harvest season nears its conclusion, it is crucial to begin orchard preparations for the next crop to ensure better yield and quality. In this context, PHDEC organized this important webinar, featuring citrus experts from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI) to train farmers on effective orchard management techniques.Mr. A. Rehman, Senior Scientist at CRI, delivered a comprehensive presentation, guiding farmers on orchard pruning and sharing a detailed plan for insect, pest, and disease control. He emphasized the need for vigilance against pest attacks, explaining their symptoms, timing, and preventive measures. He also shared a detailed plan for nutrition and irrigation management of whole year.The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where participants appreciated PHDEC’s timely efforts in building their capacity and supporting the citrus industry.