The banana industry in Pakistan is concentrated in Sindh province, which contributes 93% of the cultivated area and 83% of national production, according to the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) Report 2024.
Production is increasingly affected by climate variability. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events have disrupted yields. The 2022 floods damaged more than 20% of banana output in Sindh, causing heavy losses for growers. Water shortages and recurring droughts continue to limit production potential.
The dominance of the Cavendish variety, grown widely for its commercial appeal, has created genetic uniformity, leaving plantations highly vulnerable to fungal diseases. Black Leaf Streak and Panama Disease, which thrive in changing climatic conditions, reduce photosynthesis and overall productivity. High temperatures also cause physiological disorders such as chilling injury and sunburn, leading to quality issues that restrict access to export markets.
Although Pakistan's banana production potential exceeds 600,000 metric tons, exports in 2023 were around 50,000 metric tons. The shortfall reflects post-harvest losses and limited infrastructure for cold storage, packaging, and logistics. Competing producers such as the Philippines and Ecuador have invested in supply chain development, enabling them to secure stronger positions in the global banana trade.
To address these gaps, PHDEC has initiated a pilot project distributing banana bunch bags to farmers in Hyderabad and Thatta. The bags are designed to improve fruit appearance and marketability. "These bunch bags made a big difference this year," said Imran Bhutto, a participating farmer. "My bananas looked better, and I was able to get a higher price at the local mandi."
Experts are calling for broader adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, including the introduction of disease-resistant cultivars, wider use of drip irrigation systems, and training for growers. Investments in cold storage networks and export facilitation centers, particularly in key producing areas such as Tando Allahyar and Matiari, are considered essential to reducing losses and improving competitiveness.
Bananas remain an affordable source of potassium, micronutrients, and energy for low-income communities. For growers, resilience strategies are needed to protect livelihoods while ensuring access to a stable food supply.
The sector faces a critical period where adaptation measures, infrastructure development, and integrated support for farmers will determine whether it contracts further or expands its role in regional export markets. Policy interventions, crop insurance, and collaboration with the private sector are seen as key to sustaining production and maintaining the industry's contribution to national nutrition security.
Source: Business Recorder