Horticulture has been suffering lately in Pakistan. For the eight months that ended FY17, fruit and vegetable exports declined by 23 percent in volume when compared to the year prior. With strong pricing however, total dollars earned were around 11 percent less.
According to the FPCCI Standing Committee on Fruit and Vegetable’s statement, horticulture exports have the potential to earn a billion dollars annually but fruit and vegetable exports in Pakistan have barely ever touched the $700 million mark.
First and foremost, Pakistan struggles in horticulture exports due its inability to meet SPS (syto and phytosanitary) standards. This is where the Department of Plant Protection, as well as the Extension Departments of provincial agricultural departments, plays an integral role. To bring their locally produced fruits and vegetables up to international standard and SPS compliance would greatly increase our international footprint.
source: brecorder.com
