The potential for exporting bananas from Pakistan to Central Asia was the focus of a workshop hosted by Sindh Agricultural University in collaboration with the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC). Agricultural and economic experts at the event stressed the importance of scrutinizing imported seeds and implementing necessary measures to facilitate banana exports.
Dr. Fateh Marri, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University, highlighted Sindh as Pakistan's largest banana-producing province. He stressed the potential for increased revenue through exporting to Central Asian markets. He also mentioned the ongoing collaboration with various Agricultural Research Institutes and the production of tissue culture banana plants.
Former Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Hassan Ali Chaniho, lamented the lack of marketing opportunities which forces Sindh farmers to sell their produce at low prices. He recalled his unsuccessful attempt to establish an agri export terminal during his tenure.
Dr. Mubarak Ahmed Khan of the Trade Development Authority emphasized the need for quality assurance, sound agricultural policies, post-harvesting processes, and improved packaging to make Sindh bananas competitive in the global market. He welcomed the introduction of refrigerated containers by the National Logistics Corporation, which would facilitate banana exports to countries like Uzbekistan.
He also called for the establishment of district-level commercial labs in Sindh to improve banana production. Progressive Farmer Syed Nadeem Shah stressed that all banana diseases are curable and called for more research in this area.
Banana farmer Syed Shabeer ul Hassan Shah highlighted the lack of reliable data on banana crop and production. He urged all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to collaborate and build a robust supply chain.
Professor Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi advocated for thorough screening of all imported seeds and the promotion of tissue culture to combat banana diseases.
PHDEC CEO Athar Hussain Khokhar set the agenda for the workshop, which was attended by officers of Pakistan's trade missions abroad, including Muhammad Farooq (Kazakhstan), Attaullah Khan (Uzbekistan), and Mozam Ali Sahito (Azerbaijan). They discussed the opportunities and challenges of exporting bananas to their respective countries.
Source: Business Recorder