Pakistan doubles banana output in 15 years, reaches new peak

Pakistan’s banana production has reached a record 317,000 tonnes in 2024–25, more than doubling since 2010–11, when output was just 139,000 tonnes. The strongest surge came after 2020, with harvests climbing from 142,000 tonnes to over 292,000 tonnes in only a few years, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Farmers have increasingly shifted to banana cultivation due to stronger demand and higher profitability compared to traditional crops. New, fungus-resistant varieties with longer shelf life now generate nearly Rs500,000 (≈ USD 1,767) per acre — a sharp rise from Rs150,000–200,000 (≈ USD 530–707) just seven years ago.

Despite this growth, Pakistan’s share in the $14 billion global banana market remains marginal, with exports worth only $27.4 million. Industry leaders stress the need for a robust value chain, including large corporate farms, modern pack houses, and advanced processing facilities, to improve quality and reduce post-harvest losses.

Producers argue that such investment could make bananas even more competitive than mangoes, as they offer year-round yields and consistent income for growers.

source: app.com.pk

photo: dailytimes.com.pk