Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has directed the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) to accelerate efforts in value-addition and export-oriented interventions to bolster Pakistan’s horticulture sector. This directive was issued during a meeting with PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naseer, focusing on enhancing the country’s horticultural exports and improving farmers’ incomes.
According to Press Information Department, the Minister praised PHDEC’s fruit bagging initiative, noting its positive impact on the quality and export competitiveness of Pakistani fruits. He instructed PHDEC to broaden this initiative to include crops such as dates, grapes, and peaches, beyond the current focus on mangoes, bananas, and guavas. The Minister also emphasized the importance of collaborating with local paper manufacturers and private-sector partners to produce fruit bagging materials domestically, thereby reducing import reliance.
The PHDEC CEO highlighted the international success of the fruit bagging program, receiving positive feedback from markets in Japan, South Korea, China, and the European Union. The Minister also commended PHDEC’s work on freeze-drying and other drying technologies, viewing them as opportunities to produce high-quality products with longer shelf lives while supporting small-scale enterprises and creating jobs.
Jam Kamal Khan urged the expansion of freeze-drying initiatives to Northern Pakistan and Balochistan and encouraged collaboration with Chinese-backed projects in the region. PHDEC’s ongoing efforts include distributing solar tunnel dryers to chilli growers to enhance the export potential of Pakistani chillies by reducing contamination and improving quality.
The Minister reviewed and supported PHDEC’s plans to organize Horticulture Expos, launch certification programs, and facilitate business engagements. He stressed the need for financial support from institutions like the EXIM Bank of Pakistan to help cottage industries adopt modern technologies. Additionally, he directed increased participation of PHDEC-supported enterprises in upcoming exhibitions to boost market access and export opportunities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to export-led growth, Jam Kamal Khan assured PHDEC of ongoing support and called for stronger coordination with provincial governments, research bodies, and the private sector to develop efficient horticulture clusters and strengthen supply chains.