A review: fruit production industry of Pakistan trends, issues and way forward.

Abstract

Pakistan have an excellent environment for fruit production. Climatic conditions and different altitude level support production of excellent quality fruits in coastline, tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Pakistan is one of the top fruits producing country globally. Pakistan ranks 4th in Mango (1.880M Tones), 6th in Guava (2.4 M Tones), Dates (0.72 M Tones) and Citrus (2.1 M Tones) production around the globe. Since the year of 1969 Pakistan builds the infrastructure for agricultural development due to that; significant increase in production were observed during second, third and fourth development plan. Small land holdings, poor quality/low quantity of inputs and lack of crop improvement programs with respect to the disease, lack of disease and problem oriented research in major fruits such as Guava, Grapes and Banana. Addressing these challenges of fruit production industry can further improve yield and quality of fruits local fruits. Secondly the nurseries stocks of fruit plants should be certified, the small land holders should be supported by the government incentives for specific fruit production. Research according to the modern steps regarding plant protection measures, introduction of exotic varieties and use of Biotechnological tools for crop improvement should be adopted for better yield and production.