Pakistan's banana harvest has reached a record 317,000 tons in the 2024-25 season, more than doubling in 15 years, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Output in 2010-11 stood at 139,000 tons but has risen steadily, with the most notable increase from 2020-21 onwards when production jumped from 142,000 tons to 216,000 tons in 2021-22. The upward trend continued to 292,000 tons in 2022-23, 311,000 tons in 2023-24, and now 317,000 tons.
Growers have increasingly shifted to banana cultivation due to strong domestic demand and higher returns compared to other crops. Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters, Importers, and Merchants Association, said the rapid growth highlights export potential. However, Pakistan's exports remain low at US$27.4 million, compared with the US$14 billion international banana trade.
Waheed emphasized the need for a comprehensive banana value chain, including cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution. He added that corporate farms could help produce high-yielding bananas for export, while pack houses are essential for cleaning, grading, packing, and storage to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure quality.
Banana producer and exporter Junaid Haider Shah of Sindh noted that new varieties have changed the economics of production. Farmers' per-acre income has risen from Rs150,000–200,000 (US$540–720) seven years ago to nearly Rs500,000 (US$1,800) today. The newer varieties are fungus-resistant, have longer shelf life, and yield higher returns than older ones.
Shah added that bananas have now surpassed mango in profitability, with exports rising and prices increasing in both domestic and international markets. Older varieties, some 50 to 60 years old, are no longer competitive, while modern varieties provide higher yields and consistent production.
Bananas now provide fruit year-round, with plants starting to produce in 18 months and continuing on a rolling basis, though yields decline slightly in winter. This consistency has made the crop attractive for growers seeking stable income.
Source: APP