PHDEC conducts insightful webinar on ‘Horticulture Developments in KPK’

KARACHI: In a concerted effort to shed light on the evolving landscape of horticulture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) hosted a Zoom webinar.

The session aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the horticulture sector in the province, addressing its potential, challenges, and the collective efforts required for its advancement.

The inclusion of newly merged districts has exponentially expanded the fruit and vegetable basket of KP. However, despite this growth, the horticulture value chain encounters various challenges during the flow of products from farms to consumers at different stages. Peaches, apples, plums, and musk melons take the lead among fruits, while tomatoes, turnips, peas, okra, and arum dominate the vegetable landscape.

Recognizing the transformative impact of merged districts on the horticulture industry in KP, PHDEC engaged Dr. Zahid Hanif, Director Horticulture, Department of Agriculture Extension, KP, to illuminate stakeholders on the sector’s new developments.

During the webinar, Dr. Zahid Hanif emphasized the great potential of KP for horticultural products owing to its diverse climate. He highlighted the vibrancy added to the region’s fruit and vegetable basket with the inclusion of new districts, emphasizing the crucial need for synergy among stakeholders for collective sectoral growth.

Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Chief Executive Officer of PHDEC, reiterated the organization’s unwavering support for stakeholders’ efforts to enhance the vibrancy of the sector.