Climate challenges put Pakistan’s banana exports at risk

Pakistan’s banana industry is at a crossroads as climate pressures, disease threats, and weak infrastructure put exports at risk. The sector, concentrated in Sindh province, accounts for over 90 percent of cultivation and more than 80 percent of national production, making its stability vital to the country’s agricultural economy, according to local media.

In recent years, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts have disrupted yields. The 2022 floods alone wiped out about 20 percent of Sindh’s crop, causing major losses to farmers. The industry’s reliance on the Cavendish variety has also created genetic uniformity, leaving plantations highly vulnerable to fungal diseases like Panama Disease and Black Leaf Streak.

Despite producing more than 600,000 metric tons of bananas in 2023, Pakistan exported only about 50,000 metric tons, reflecting the gap between production capacity and export potential. Quality issues such as sunburn and chilling injury, combined with the absence of adequate cold storage, packaging, and logistics, further undermine competitiveness.

Some pilot initiatives, such as distributing banana bunch bags in Hyderabad and Thatta, have shown positive results in improving cosmetic quality and prices. Experts argue, however, that larger structural reforms are required: climate-resilient farming practices, regional cold storage networks, irrigation upgrades, and disease-resistant cultivars.

Bananas are not only an export crop but also a key source of affordable nutrition for vulnerable communities. Without urgent adaptation and investment, Pakistan risks further decline in exports. With coordinated policy action, private-sector collaboration, and climate-smart strategies, the industry could recover and expand its role in both domestic food security and international trade.

source: brecorder.com

photo: tribune.com.pk