ISLAMABAD: Headway has been made with reference to extending the shelf life of horticulture produce. This has allowed for the successful shipping of the first ever consignment on a commercial basis.
Stakeholders view these developments as a game-changer in the exports of mango as well as other fruits and vegetables, according to sources who are key players in the sector. Mango season was not profitable for growers this year.
However, successful sea-freighting of a consignment to Holland has opened new vistas of trade possibilities for them. The Holland-based importer and other stakeholders have termed the first commercial mango shipment via sea route a major achievement.
This will help increase exports of various types of produce and bring in earnings for exporters, observed key players of the horticulture sector. Pakistan horticulture exports have not seen quantitative improvements mainly due to logistic issues.
The country produces above 14 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually, of which almost one-third is wasted before it reaches consumers. High post-harvest losses lower the net income of producers and traders, and also reduce the quantity of produce available in local markets as well as for exports. Fresh produce exports are less than three per cent of Pakistan’s total exports.
According to an FAO report, Pakistan horticulture produce prices are 41 percent less than the world average. Owing to predominant logistic constraints and other issues, Pakistani exporters have so far not been able to penetrate high-end supermarket chains that have a share of approximately 80 percent of the fruit and vegetable sales in the EU and other developed countries.
INTERNEWS
