The board has unanimously approved a three-year plan to increase horticulture exports to US$2 billion by 2028. The plan focuses on crops such as kinnow, mangoes, dates, and value-added products, supported by infrastructure improvements and access to high-value markets.
The strategy was developed in consultation with provincial stakeholders and addresses sector challenges, including low yields, post-harvest losses, and limited value addition. It also aims to expand market access in regions such as the GCC, ASEAN, Africa, China, Central Asia, and the EU.
Key initiatives include skill development through workshops and webinars, cluster and value chain development, and R&D activities. Target crops include citrus, mango, banana, dates, onion, potato, chillies, and garlic, along with secondary crops such as peach, cherry, tomato, olives, floriculture, guava, grapes, nuts, spices, and medicinal plants. Interventions will span production, pre-harvest, and post-harvest stages, with a focus on digital agriculture and e-commerce integration.
The plan outlines eight market research and strategic studies. These cover diversified product development, high-density orchards, fruit bagging, export potential for peaches and guava, China market analysis, brand development, organic certification, exotic fruit introduction, and AI-based demand forecasting.
Infrastructure development, funded through the Export Development Fund (EDF), will include 37 value-added projects across provinces. These projects consist of solar drying units for chillies, mango dehydration facilities, certified nurseries for cherries and nuts, olive oil extraction units, and date processing plants. Support for international certifications such as Global GAP, HACCP, and ISO 22000 is also included.
Cold chain expansion is part of the strategy, with three projects planned to establish cold storage in production areas and cargo facilities at airports and seaports.
Source: Business Recorder