Matta, Upper Swat, Pakistan – Pakistan, a significant producer of peaches with an annual output of approximately 150,000 tons across 15,000 hectares, is poised to expand its presence in global markets, particularly in the Gulf region. The country’s peach production is concentrated in the northern regions, notably Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Swat, Chitral, and Kohistan hills serving as key cultivation hubs. Despite its potential, the industry faces challenges such as inconsistent quality standards, inadequate infrastructure, and limited processing facilities.
To address these challenges and unlock export opportunities, the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organized a comprehensive workshop titled “Exploring the Export Potential, Cultivation Practices, and Future Outlook of Peaches” in Matta, Upper Swat, Pakistan’s premier peach production hub. The event aimed to equip growers and farm managers with advanced agronomic practices to produce export-quality peaches and identify untapped markets for growth and diversification.
Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, CEO of PHDEC, inaugurated the workshop, underscoring PHDEC’s commitment to strengthening the horticulture sector. “Our goal is to empower peach growers, processors, and exporters with the tools and knowledge needed to compete in international markets,” said Khokhar. He reaffirmed PHDEC’s dedication to providing end-to-end support to stakeholders in the peach and citrus industries.
The workshop featured expert presentations from leading agricultural professionals. Dr. Zahid Hanif Khattak, Director Horticulture, Department of Agriculture Extension, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shared insights on peach crop performance across varieties, offering practical recommendations for achieving high yields and export-quality produce for the upcoming season.Dr. Farooq, Senior Scientific Officer, Agriculture Research Institute (ARI) Mingora Swat, highlighted ARI’s research on peach varieties, high-density orchards, and rootstock evaluation. He noted that ARI has initiated trials with rootstock seeds sourced from NARC, Islamabad, to enhance peach cultivation resilience. Dr. Shah Alam, District Director, Agriculture Extension, Upper Swat, addressed common peach diseases, including peach leaf curl, a fungal infection causing leaf deformation and premature drop. He outlined Integrated Disease Management strategies, emphasizing cultural practices, resistant varieties, and timely monitoring.Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, District Director, Agriculture Extension, Lower Swat, presented effective pest management techniques, advocating for a combination of preventative measures, biological controls, and targeted insecticide use to ensure healthy orchards. Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Consultant PHDEC in his closing remarks, emphasized the importance of adhering to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides to meet international food safety standards. “Controlling MRLs is critical to ensuring consumer safety and accessing premium export markets,” he stated.
The workshop attracted a diverse group of growers, processors, and exporters, who praised PHDEC’s initiative for addressing critical topics such as export potential, good agricultural practices, and the future of Pakistan’s peach industry. Participants expressed optimism about applying the knowledge gained to enhance production quality and tap into high-value markets
