ABSTRACT
Handling of produce is a big concern, particularly with perishable horticultural crops. Despite increases in production areas, Pakistan is still lagging far behind in production and export of high-value horticultural crops and their value-added products. Lack of value addition is the major reason for this situation starting from nursery production to harvesting and handling. If good quality nursery production is to be started on scientific basis using standardized potting substrates and biodegradable pots, transplanting successes and crop stands can be improved along with their quality. Moreover, diversification of crop production and promotion of new specialty high value crops, whose potential has not yet been explored in the country, would offer the best opportunities to improve socioeconomic conditions of growers and stakeholders alike, improve the nutritional status and health of the people, as well as earn more foreign exchange for the country by exporting surplus produce. For this purpose, there is need to keep extension field staff abreast of advanced production standards and postharvest handling procedures for different horticultural crops to enhance the quality of production and reduce postharvest losses. Moreover, it will help manage glut periods, reduce wastage of produce, recycling/reuse of waste materials for other horticultural activities, availability of produce in the market for longer periods, and ultimately provide higher returns to the growers. Additionally, exploring the potential of high value wild grown medicinal plants would increase extraction of crude drugs, or their bioactive components, for the pharmaceutical industry in the country or for export purposes. It is the time to explore all possible value-added horticultural crops in different regions of the country in order to boost our horticultural industry.
