ISLAMABAD: As an agrarian country, Pakistan can develop its horticulture sector on modern lines to benefit from the emerging markets through enhanced exports and to also meet the domestic demand.
Horticulture is the sub-branch of agriculture that deals with the practice of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Horticulture also includes the cultivation of plants in gardens for the purpose of getting food or medicinal ingredients or for comfort and ornamentation.
According to Global Market Estimates report, the global horticulture market is the fastest-growing market, which is expected to reach $40.24 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The market was valued at $20.77 billion in 2021.
Sustainable horticulture practices and significant advancements in the agricultural sector around the globe are the main factors driving the market.
Pakistan possesses a combination of versatile climate, rich genetic diversity and a large domestic market for fruits and vegetables. The country produces an array of fruits in all the seasons, ranging from cool temperate fruits (apples, pears and plums) to warm temperate fruits (apricots, figs, grapes, pomegranates and melons) and tropical and sub-tropical species such as bananas, mangoes, dates, guava and citrus fruit.
According to the data provided by the State Bank of Pakistan, the country exported fruits worth $469.9 million, vegetables $274.3 million and nuts $85.31 million in 2021.
Talking to WealthPK, Dr Tahir Akram, assistant professor of horticulture at the Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, said, “Pakistan is one of the largest producers of horticultural products. Currently, the country’s agriculture sector is producing export quality horticultural products, including fruits (citrus mango, guava, etc.) and vegetables (potatoes, onion, etc.).”
Responding to a question about the potential horticultural export market for Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan has an excellent opportunity to capture the gulf market, which comprises the brotherly Muslim countries.”
“However, there is much more that needs to be done to improve the production level of horticulture products,” he stressed.
According to Dr Tahir Akram, Pakistan has to use hybrid high-yielding varieties that will not only help meet domestic demand but will also produce excess amounts for exports.
He said Pakistan has to reduce the cost of production by introducing the latest technologies like hydroponic technology to produce off-season production as well.
He also called for bringing down the prices of fertilisers and ensuring their sufficient supplies to the growers to boost productivity.
