Pakistan targets Gulf market with fodder export push to Qatar

KARACHI: A Pakistani trade delegation comprising six leading animal fodder exporters concluded a three-day visit to Qatar from May 25 to 27, as part of a broader push to strengthen bilateral trade ties and tap into the Gulf country’s growing demand for high-quality forage.

The delegation, organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in partnership with the Pakistani Embassy in Doha, met with senior representatives from leading Qatari buyers including Hassad Food, Widam Food, Alanaam Factory, Mazzraty, Green Forages Trading and Baladna.

The three-day visit included site tours of Qatari production and logistics facilities, and discussions on product specifications, certification protocols and future supply agreements. The initiative follows a year-long effort by TDAP involving producer outreach, market research, and capacity-building seminars aimed at improving Pakistan’s export readiness in fodder crops, particularly alfalfa and Rhodes grass.

“Pakistan’s proximity to Qatar gives it a natural freight advantage,” said a TDAP official, citing the 1,100km shipping route compared with over 12,000km from traditional exporters like the US. Pakistani fodder, primarily alfalfa, currently averages around $330 per tonne in export value.

Pakistan’s annual fodder output stands at 55.47 million tonnes, with alfalfa accounting for 5.32 million tonnes, according to Dr Qamar Shakil of the Fodder Research Sub-Station, AARI. In 2023-24, Pakistan exported $10.8 million worth of Rhodes grass, with Qatar among its top markets.

The global alfalfa trade, valued at $21.6 billion in 2023, is forecast to rise to $35.2 billion by 2028. Demand for fodder hay across the Gulf region is projected to exceed $9 billion, offering Pakistani exporters a promising commercial opportunity.

Further strengthening its export capacity, TDAP held regional seminars in Multan and Rahim Yar Khan in late 2024, focusing on improving production practices and meeting international standards. A follow-up training session is planned for June 2025.

With 0.47 million hectares of potential fodder cultivation area in Punjab and a dairy sector ranked fourth globally by the FAO -- producing 67.8 million tonnes of milk annually -- Pakistan is positioning itself as a competitive supplier for Gulf states facing arid growing conditions and import dependence.