Processing, Traceability and Export Potential of Fruits and Vegetables From Pakistan

In Pakistan fruits and vegetables are grown on large scale but due to unavailability of sufficient processing facilities and poor value chain the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables and processed products are very low compared to other countries. In the country fruits and vegetables are grown over an area of 853400 and 253800 ha with and annual production of 7178800 and 3136800 tons respectively; whereas the exports of fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) are negligible which are less than 10% of the total production. The main reasons for limited export are the lack of awareness about the world food security standards (HACCP, GLOBALGAP, BRC etc.), quality, traceability and marketing system (value chain). Postharvest losses are very high (25-40%) and there are limited processing/value addition facilities; on the other way the nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables are quite good and the commodities are produced organically (very less pesticides, fungicides and fertilizer are used). Keeping in view the world consciousness about food safety/security and traceability GLOBALGAP certification has gained popularity in Pakistan and uptill now thirteen (13) Produce Marketing Organizations (PMOs) consisting of 324 individual farmers have attained GlobalGAP certification covering an area of 6046.4 ha (15116 acres) of citrus orchards in District Sargodha. Similarly one Produce Marketing Organizations (PMO) comprising an area of 178.53 ha (446 acres) of mango has also attained GlobalGAP certification. Moreover, four other farms naming Ali Tareen Farm, Lodhran, Jamal Din Wali Farm, Rahim Yar khan, Dhillon Fruit Farm, Rahim Yar Khan and Asim Fruit Farm, Sindh have also obtained GlobalGAp Certification covering an area of 161.94 ha (404.85 acres), 128 ha (320 acre), 77.7 ha (194.25 acres) and 50.60 ha (126.5 acres) of mango respectively. In perspective of the potential and quality of fresh fruits USAID has recently launched a project on Mango Global GAP Certification along with value chain management for Mango; as well irradiation of mango fruit for export to USA according to FDA rules and regulation. Thus Pakistan can provide big opportunity to exporters and processors if they install the processing/value addition system in Pakistan.