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Pakistan targets agricultural export growth through processing and deregulation
Pakistan is seeking to transform its agricultural sector to drive national export growth. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the country must shift from exporting raw commodities to branded and processed goods to unlock billions in untapped potential. Agriculture currently accounts for roughly 25% of the nation's GDP and employs 37% of the workforce.
In the sugar sector, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has called for the complete deregulation of the industry and the immediate export of one million tonnes of sugar to manage a 1.3 million-tonne surplus. Stakeholders warn that failing to clear these stocks could depress sugarcane prices and harm farmer incomes.
Additionally, industry experts suggest that Pakistan could reach $1 billion in annual fruit and vegetable exports within three years. Achieving this target requires reducing post-harvest losses, which are currently estimated at 30% to 40%, and investing in cold-chain infrastructure and processing capabilities.
Entities
Ahsan Iqbal · Pakistan · Pakistan Kissan Ittehad · SE Fruits & Vegetables Limited
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Agriculture contributes approximately 25% of Pakistan’s GDP and employs 37% of the workforce. pakistanpost.pk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Post-harvest losses in the fruit and vegetable supply chain are estimated between 30% and 40%. www.freshplaza.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Agricultural products currently account for nearly 22% of Pakistan’s total exports. pakistanpost.pk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pakistan is currently holding a surplus of approximately 1.3 million tonnes of sugar. www.chinimandi.com