Webinars

Preparation of Mango Orchards for Next Crop by Effective Management Techniques

• by admin
• September 6, 2024

(4th September 2024), PHDEC conducted the webinar on “Preparation of Mango Orchards for Next Crop by Effective Management Techniques”.The aim was to discuss and enlighten the growers/farmers on good farming practices for viable crop production to produce good quality mangoes and to get high yields.Dr. Javed Iqbal, Senior Scientist, Mango Research Station, Shujabad provided a detailed overview of mango orchard management and delivered a presentation on soil, irrigation & nutrition management, pruning, use of pesticides/chemicals, vegetative and root growth patterns and its management for better plant health. The session was concluded with a Q&A segment from the audience.A large number of growers/farmers, R&D, entrepreneurs, and academia participated in the webinar and valued the PHDEC’s initiative.

Webinars

Value-Added Products of Garlic

• by admin
• September 1, 2024

PHDEC organized a webinar titled ‘Value-Added Products of Garlic,’ aimed at engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders to explore potential interventions for the development of value-added garlic products. Experts from Al-moiz industries Limited and Pamico Agrofoods provided in-depth insights into the garlic value chain, the scope of value addition, and the quality attributes essential for processing garlic into high-value products. The webinar attracted significant participation from processors, progressive growers, R&D professionals, private companies, and academia, who all commended this initiative.

Webinars

Pecan Nuts: Production Technology and Future Prospects in KPK

• by admin
• July 30, 2024

Webinar on “Pecan Nuts: Production Technology and Future Prospects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” focused on the rich potential of pecan nuts (Carya illinoinensis). It is a non-traditional crop for the region, known for its high fat content, caloric value, and versatile use in various culinary applications.The webinar featured experts who discussed the cultivation of pecan varieties suitable for both subtropical and temperate areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, identified by ARI, Tarnab. Participants, including farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders were provided with detailed insights on the production technology, best practices, and future prospects of Pecan Nut in KPK region. The session highlighted the economic potential and market opportunities for pecan cultivation, contributing to the diversification of horticulture crops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The webinar was well-received, with active engagement and positive feedback from the attendees.

Webinars

Good Agricultural Practices of Citrus for High Yield and Good Quality

• by admin
• July 4, 2024

Today, on July 4th, 2024, PHDEC conducted an insightful webinar on “Good Agricultural Practices of Citrus for High Yield and Good Quality.”The primary aim was to engage stakeholders from Pakistan on critical issue of Citrus Orchard Management, focusing on achieving top-notch quality and yield.We were honored to have Mr. Malik Abdul Rehman from the Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha, who provided an in-depth overview of citrus orchard management. He covered essential topics such as fruit setting, development, insect/pest & disease management, and nutrition management.Our participants, ranging from growers, processors, exporters, to R&D and academia, had their questions thoroughly addressed and left the webinar well-informed and satisfied.Thank you to everyone who joined and appreciated PHDEC’s initiative in addressing this vital topic. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in citrus farming!

Webinars

Post-harvest techniques for Peaches

• by admin
• June 27, 2024

Today (27th June 2024), the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) successfully conducted a webinar focused on post-harvest techniques for peaches, aiming to ensure the freshness of peaches from orchard to market and reduce post-harvest losses. The event was well-attended by growers, exporters, processors, R&D experts, and other stakeholders.The perishable nature of peaches makes them susceptible to significant losses due to pests, diseases, and improper handling, storage, and transportation. The factors contributing to post harvest losses include; lack of knowledge about pests and diseases. Insufficient information on preservation methods, involvement of multiple intermediaries in the supply chain, and other factors such as weight, quality, nutritional value, seed viability, and commercial value.Dr. Muhammad Zahid Rashid from the Horticulture Research Institute, AARI Faisalabad, provided valuable insights into the latest harvest and post-harvest management techniques for peaches. His presentation covered practical applications of technologies like MAP and gamma radiation to minimize losses and improve peach quality.The webinar highlighted the critical need for advanced post-harvest management practices to mitigate losses and ensure the quality of peaches from orchard to market. The informative session provided stakeholders with actionable knowledge to implement these practices, ultimately benefiting Pakistan’s peach industry by reducing waste and enhancing marketability.

Webinars

Optimizing Apple Fruit Quality through Recommended Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management Techniques

• by admin
• June 6, 2024

Webinar on “Optimizing Apple Fruit Quality through Recommended Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management Techniques” aimed to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure top-notch quality Pakistani apples for both domestic and International markets.Did you know? The apple harvest season kicks off in early June and runs until the end of November. With apples being highly sensitive to mishandling, it’s crucial to implement proper harvesting techniques. Identifying this gap, PHDEC proactively organized this webinar to equip apple farmers, growers and key farm workers with essential knowledge well ahead of the peak season.We were thrilled to see a fantastic turnout, with enthusiastic participation from growers, processors, exporters, R&D professionals, and academia. The session was brimming with valuable insights, and we appreciate the positive feedback from all attendees.PHDEC is committed to continuing such interactive sessions to elevate Pakistan’s horticulture industry. Stay tuned for more initiatives aimed at fostering growth and excellence in our agricultural practices!

Webinars

Papaya: Production Technology, Management and Export Potentials

• by admin
• May 23, 2024

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) successfully conducted a webinar titled “Papaya: Production Technology, Management and Export Potentials.” This session aimed to explore the vast opportunities that papaya cultivation presents for Pakistan’s horticulture sector.The webinar was attended by large number of people including growers, processors, researchers, and stakeholders from the horticulture sector. The introductory remarks highlighted the significance of diversifying Pakistan’s horticulture basket with papaya, a tropical fruit renowned for its high nutritional value and market potential.The session featured insightful presentations from leading experts in the field, Ms. Amina Alvi from AARI Faisalabad. The discussions covered various aspects of papaya cultivation including best practices and advanced techniques for optimal production and yield. The speaker also highlighted the effective methods for managing papaya crops addressing different pests and diseases. The session also covered the information on possible strategies in future to meet international standards for export of papaya from Pakistan.The webinar saw active participation from a diverse audience, including growers, processors, R&D professionals, and academia. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, asked pertinent questions, and shared their experiences and insights.The webinar concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing their appreciation for the valuable information shared. The session emphasized the need for continued collaboration and innovation to harness the full potential of papaya cultivation in Pakistan.

Webinars

The Impact of Climate Change on Horticulture Crops in KPK and Way Forward

• by admin
• May 16, 2024

PHDEC concluded an informative webinar on “The Impact of Climate Change on Horticulture Crops in KPK and Way Forward” The event witnessed a large and diverse audience reflecting the widespread interest and concern regarding the implications of climate change.The webinar was taking cognizance from the recent findings of a joint study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB), wherein it was emphasized that Pakistan could face economic losses of up to US$3.8 billion annually due to climate change with temperatures projected to rise by up to 2.5 degrees Celsius in the next 20 years.Dr. Ibrar Hussain, from ARI Tarnab, Peshawar, delivered the keynote address providing an in-depth analysis of the specific impacts of climate change on horticulture crops in KPK. He outlined the primary risks, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, increased droughts, higher temperatures, and more frequent severe weather events, all of which contribute to crop failures and animal losses.Following Dr. Hussain’s presentation, the audience shared their views and opinions on the topic by asking questions from different experts for their better understanding of the phenomenon of climate change.While concluding, CEO, PHDEC reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the horticulture sector through continuous engagement, capacity building, and the implementation of innovative solutions. The CEO expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and panelists for their valuable contributions and emphasized the importance of collective action in mitigating the impacts of climate change on horticulture in KPK.

Webinars

Unlocking the Potential: Dragon Fruit Cultivation Techniques and Future Opportunities

• by admin
• May 8, 2024

Dragon fruit farming has become increasingly popular in Pakistan due to its adaptability to diverse climates and soil. The fruit is primarily cultivated in regions with a subtropical or tropical #climate, making it suitable for various parts of the country.Recognizing the increased production of dragon fruit in Pakistan and export opportunities from Pakistan to chinese market, PHDEC organized a webinar on “Unlocking the Potential: Dragon Fruit Cultivation Techniques and Future Opportunities”. The objective was to guide farmers about its production technology.Mr. Sajid Iqbal Sindhu, Director General (Punjab), Agri Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan, stated that Pakistan’s warm climate and fertile soils make it an ideal location for the cultivation of dragon fruit. He further recommended that sustainable agronomic practices, such as integrated pest management and organic fertilization, ensures long-term viability and environmental compatibility of dragon fruit cultivation.

Webinars

Managing Quality Issues in Potato Exports to Global Markets: Focus on to Address the Green Potatoes and Black Heart Disease

• by admin
• April 23, 2024

Today (23rd April, 2024), PHDEC conducted the webinar on the topic of “Managing Quality Issues in Potato Exports to Global Markets: Focus on to Address the Green Potatoes and Black Heart Disease”. The aim of the webinar was to bring the maximum of the stakeholders on board to discuss the issue of “The Green Potatoes and Black Heart Disease” which was highlighted in Potato Market Intelligence Report 2024 by Trade Wing Embassy of Pakistan, Moscow, Russian Federation. Due to said disease the supply of Pakistani potatoes to Russia during 8 months of financial year 2023-2024 decreased by 68.61%, whereas in value terms the supply dropped by 75.22% as compared to 2022-2023. Dr. Khalid Farooq, Seed Potato Expert, Korea Program on International Agricultural (KOPIA, Pakistan) explained the causes, spread, effect and management of the disease and suitable remedial measures.A large number of progressive growers/farmers, exporters, R&D, entrepreneurs and academia participated in the webinar and valued the PHDEC’s initiative.