Horticulture: bring structure in infrastructure

While summers may not make many Pakistanis happy thanks to the endless rounds of load shedding and record-breaking temperatures; summer fruits end up being peoples treat in the midst of the sweltering heat.
And news regarding the first consignment of mangoes dispatched for the Middle East and Europe highlighted the economic benefits in addition to the gourmet delight of Pakistans mouth-watering fruits.
Fruit export from Pakistan witnessed a remarkable increase in the last fiscal year, rising about 45 percent against FY09 to roughly $210 million. The performance this fiscal year is also likely to do well, with the first mango consignment to the US expected to be dispatched by June this year.
Though the increase in exports may warrant a round of applause, a look at the growth potential of horticulture - particularly fruits - exports makes one realise theres a lot of homework still to be done.
According to a confidential report drafted in conjunction with government authorities and international organisations, the horticulture export industry can grow as much as $1 billion by 2014 if the right approach with private-sector collaboration is adopted.
The report underscores mangoes and citrus fruit as Pakistans "anchor products" to lead the growth in the countrys horticulture industry.
Ahmed Jawad, CEO Harvest Tradings - a well-known company exporting Pakistans agricultural products - told BR Research that while Pakistani Kinnows are being shipped via the sea to overseas destinations, fruits such as mangoes and dates are lagging behind due to the lack of good infrastructural facilities in the country. Consequently, these fruits have to be dispatched by air, which, being dearer than sea shipments, increases costs tremendously for exporters.
"Proper infrastructure for cold storage and pack houses (a farm warehouse for agricultural produce) need to be developed widely across all key farmlands to enable this sector to reach its true potential," Jawad stressed.
He urged the government to provide incentives to the private sector and international players to develop such facilities in the country. International importing companies can be encouraged to develop supply chain infrastructure in Pakistan in exchange for incentives such as tax benefits, duty-free import of machinery, land leases, and liaison with local growers and exporters.
Involvement of the private sector is critical for the horticulture industry of Pakistan since private players possess the expertise and know-how regarding the transport of perishable produce.
Before engaging in brand development and participation in global trade fairs and expos, these steps are essential to first establish a strong foundation of the industry. Thorough development of the basic infrastructural requirements of the industry is important for reaping the true export potential.