Pakistan to learn from China’s pineapple farming expertise

Pakistan to learn from China’s pineapple farming expertise as Xuwen offers a success model for modern agriculture.

As Pakistan works to diversify its agricultural sector and enhance exports, it can draw inspiration from Xuwen County in southern China, famously known as the “Pineapple Capital of China.”

With decades of expertise, Xuwen has established a flourishing pineapple industry, producing over 1.4 million tonnes annually. This success is driven by advanced farming practices, efficient supply chains, and government-backed programs, offering Pakistan a model to replicate for sustainable agricultural growth. With its fertile lands and favorable climate, Pakistan holds great potential for pineapple cultivation.

According to Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Xuwen’s precision farming techniques, such as soil analysis, irrigation management, and pest control, ensure high-quality crop production. Introducing these practices in Pakistan could increase yields and minimize post-harvest losses.

During a visit to Xuwen, Qadir highlighted its cooperative model, where small farmers pool resources to negotiate better prices. Replicating this model in Pakistan could empower rural communities and reduce reliance on traditional crops. This approach aligns with Pakistan’s goals of agricultural modernization and economic diversification, with opportunities to boost exports to Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets.

Pakistan’s pineapple industry, though promising, remains underdeveloped due to limited awareness, insufficient high-yield varieties, and a lack of modern farming practices. Regions like Sindh and southern Punjab, with favorable climates, produce about 16,000 metric tonnes annually, mainly in Thatta and Badin. However, most pineapples consumed in Pakistan are imported, making the fruit costly for locals.

Experts suggest that with focused investment in research, farmer training, and high-yield varieties, Pakistan could significantly expand its pineapple industry. Xuwen’s success is partly due to its vast agricultural base, covering over 110,000 hectares of crop land and 8,800 hectares for aquaculture. The region’s model, built around pineapples, sugarcane, bananas, and vegetables, demonstrates the potential for diversified agricultural growth.