Gilgit-Baltistan, 2025] – Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), took a monumental step in the realm of horticulture by organizing a one-day training workshop focused on export-oriented outcomes of cherry nurseries project and associated value chain challenges. The event, which was held today in Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasized the significance of enhancing cherry production and export opportunities in Pakistan, particularly to the thriving Chinese market.
Pakistan ranked as the world’s 49th largest cherry producer, boasts significant cherry clusters primarily located in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Baluchistan regions. This initiative marks the initial phase of capitalizing on the tremendous potential for exporting cherries to China. In 2023, China imported approximately 350,000 tons of cherries, illustrating the immense opportunity that lies ahead.
Over the years, cherry production in the region has witnessed substantial growth. In 2001, the total cherry production stood at 2,678 tons, a figure that has now escalated to a remarkable 8,000 tons, generating an annual revenue of approximately Rs. 600-700 million.
The primary objective of the training workshop was to enlighten stakeholders on the upcoming cherries nurseries project and importance of high yielding and export-oriented cherry varieties to boost exports. Additionally, the workshop aimed to educate farmers on the adoption of sound agricultural practices that can significantly increase production and fruit size, particularly for renowned varieties such as new star, bing, sasha, sunburst and few others. PHDEC brought in expert speakers to shed light on related issues.
Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, CEO of PHDEC, expressed his deep appreciation to the audience for their active participation and highlighted a crucial point of pride – Pakistan’s cherries are grown with the pristine waters sourced from glaciers, without the use of fertilizers or harmful pesticides. He briefed about the achievements from the last year’s consignments of cherries exports & future Strategies to increase export volume and quality in 2025 and onward.
Mr. Zhang Lefei from China was also invited in today’s Workshop. He informed to the growers on Chinese market dynamic, price trends, SPS requirements, major importers and opportunities.
Dr. Muhammad Din, Senior ScintificMountain Agriculture Research Centre (MARC), briefed about the scope & expected outcome of the cherry’s nurseries project. He presented on quality issues of existing varieties & export potential of improved varieties. He explained that existing cherry rootstocks (Colt, Anang) are disease receptive and less vigorous while improved disease resistant and vigorous rootstock will be used for nursery raising. For nursery raising, controlled green house, handling house, hot bed will be established at MARC, Mr. Din added.
Mr.Zakir Hussain, Plant Protection Officer, of the Department of Agriculture Extension in GilgitBaltistan, provided insights into crop conditions during the previous season and discussed the prospects for the upcoming harvest. He shared his expert opinion on agronomic practices and research and development in cherry orchards. He emphasized the need to adopt good agronomic practices and work on R&D to enhance the production of exportable cherries in the region.
Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Ghazi, Consultant and Principal Trainer at Mountain Agro Experts, GilgitBaltistan, demonstrated the handling and packing procedures for cherries destined for export to China. He emphasized the need to adopt an integrated approach taking on board all the stakeholders from the public and private sectors. He added that all stakeholders should invest in the value chain.
Closing the training workshop, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Consultant PHDEC, concluded the technical discussions by emphasizing the use of quality germplasm. He added that the introduction of new varieties is also vital for the sector. He furthered that good agriculture practice is the key to the success of the sector. Also important is the development of a good value chain. He added that we can export dried cherries by developing the infrastructure with the help of the Export Development Fund (EDF).
With this workshop, PHDEC is forging a path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for Pakistan’s cherry industry, unlocking its full potential in the global market and fostering economic growth and sustainability. The future of Pakistan’s cherry exports has never looked more promising.
