F.P. Report
KARACHI: Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) hosted a webinar focused on “Enhancements in White Onion Through Good Agricultural Practices and Its Nutritional Benefits.”
The protocol for inspection and quarantine requirements for export of onion from Pakistan to China between the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and General Administration of Customs China (GACC) in 2021. In Chinese market white onion is more in demand. Keeping in view the opportunity of Chinese market, PHDEC organized webinar on producing white onion.
The event targeted processors, potential growers, exporters, research and development experts, as well as private companies. Predominantly, participants from the provinces of Sindh, Baluchistan, and Punjab participated, collectively contributing significantly to the nation’s onion production.
Pakistan, ranking as the 6th largest global onion producer, annually yields 2 million metric tons (MMT) over an expanse of approximately 150 thousand hectares mainly red onion. The country stands at the 7th position in onion exports, with an annual export value of $147 million. While onion cultivation spans the entire country, the production is notably concentrated in six districts of Sindh and Balochistan: Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Chaghi, Kalat, and Turbat, contributing around 60% to the national onion production.
Recognizing the suboptimal production of white onions in Pakistan and the newfound opportunity created by China opening its market for white onion imports from Pakistan, the webinar aimed to guide growers on cultivating white onions for export to China.
Mehvish Tahir, Scientific Officer, Vegetable Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad provided a detailed presentation on white onions, addressing cultivation constraints such as climate dependence, limited availability of high-quality seeds, and the need for approved varieties with specific characteristics. She explained the province wise area and production of onion, soil type and climate suitable for onion cultivation in Pakistan, province wise planting and harvesting time, nutrition management. Seed rate, sowing time, methods for preparing beds and irrigation system was also discussed with pictures.
Ms. Mehwish Tahir explained the reasons of low production of White Onions in Pakistan and impact of malpractices and lack of knowledge of recommended production technology of white onion on quality and yield.
Ch Maqsood Ahmad Jatt, Chairman Potato Society, Okara appreciates PHDEC’s Effort and requested to Agriculture Research Institute to introduced the range of white onion varieties and seed availability to the farmers. He further requested to PHDEC to share the market insight of china especially prices, SPS compliance and other protocols.
Athar Hussain Khokhar, the CEO of PHDEC, extended a warm welcome to the participants, providing valuable context on PHDEC’s instrumental role in the horticulture sector and its expansive mandate. Mr. Khokhar emphasized that PHDEC’s commitment remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that bolster the prosperity and well-being of horticulture cultivators and farmers.
