ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan reviewed the performance of the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) this week, issuing formal directives to accelerate value-addition, modern processing technologies, and export-oriented interventions to strengthen the nation’s horticulture sector.

Strategic Focus on Horticulture Growth

During a high-level briefing with PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naseer, Minister Jam Kamal Khan evaluated the organization’s ongoing projects. He expressed strong appreciation for the successful fruit bagging initiative, which has played a critical role in improving the quality and export competitiveness of local produce. Mirroring ongoing efforts in modernization and technological integration, the Minister ordered the expansion of this program to include dates, grapes, and peaches, building upon the initial success seen with mangoes, bananas, and guavas.

Local Manufacturing and Sustainability

To ensure the long-term viability of these interventions, Minister Jam Kamal Khan instructed PHDEC to coordinate with the local paper manufacturing industry and provincial governments. The objective is to localize the production of fruit bagging materials, thereby reducing import reliance and making the technology more accessible to small-scale growers. This aligns with broader government efforts to maintain economic stability, similar to recent fiscal adjustments such as those impacting sovereign dollar bonds following external market shifts.

Expanding Value-Added Processing

The PHDEC CEO reported positive feedback from premium international markets, including Japan, South Korea, China, and the European Union. In response, the Minister endorsed the promotion of freeze-drying, spray-drying, and fruit dehydration technologies. These methods are expected to increase shelf life while maintaining nutritional value. Furthermore, the Minister directed the expansion of freeze-drying initiatives to Northern Pakistan and Balochistan, emphasizing the need to leverage Chinese-supported value-addition projects in the region.

Future Roadmap and Institutional Support

The meeting highlighted plans to organize provincial Horticulture Expos, implement a subsidized certification support program for 100 stakeholders, and utilize advanced market intelligence. Minister Jam Kamal Khan noted that the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of Pakistan should provide targeted financial support to cottage industries to facilitate technology adoption. He concluded by calling for robust coordination between federal entities, research institutions, and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s horticultural value chains, ensuring that PHDEC-supported exhibitors gain increased visibility in upcoming national trade events and FoodAg exhibitions.