Pakistan's floriculture industry is finding room to grow in a changing climate, with nurseries and exporters eyeing a rising demand from Gulf markets, though challenges in supply chains, post-harvest handling, and quality standards remain.
"There are four main segments of floriculture in Pakistan: potted plants, cut flowers, dried petals and cut foliage," Dr Naveem Ahmed of the Horticulture Department of Fasialbad Agriculture University told Wealth Pakistan. "Pakistan is well established in potted plants, exporting almost 2,000 containers each year, mostly from Patoki, a city in Punjab."
According to the World Trade Integrated Solution, Pakistan exports horticulture products to Egypt, Germany, Iraq, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Japan, amongst others. Saudi Arabia's planned mega-city, NEOM, is fueling fresh demand for a diverse array of flora, such as roses, jasmine and desert tolerant plants.
Cut flowers, by contrast, remain limited to domestic markets due to hurdles in air-freight space, quarantine and quality preparation, Dr Naveed said. "The local demand is met efficiently, and flower imports have decreased. If the supply chain strengthens, cut flower exports may become viable."
Read more at Independent News Pakistan
