KARACHI: Pakistan experiences significant post-harvest losses ranging from 25 to 50 per cent in fruits and vegetables, which contribute to the country’s food security challenges. This situation can be effectively addressed by using bio-control methods that would not only help reduce losses but are also safer alternatives for both human health and the environment compared to the use of chemicals.

This information was shared by experts during a two-day workshop, which was recently concluded at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). It was part of a project titled “Post-harvest Losses - Key Contributor to Food Insecurity & Possible Interventions”, initiated by the university’s School of Public Health (SPH) with the support of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, Prof M. Tariq Farman, heading the Dow International Medical College’s cardiac department, said that post-harvest losses were responsible for the country’s food insecurity and economic losses.

“As the country’s population is increasing, there is a need to make sure that the food produce is safe and provided to the consumer in the same condition, with the same nutritional value as at the time of harvest,” he said.

Country suffers setback in fruit, vegetables production, moot told

Dr Habiba Shah, principal investigator and assistant professor at the SPH, DUHS, noted that traditional methods to prevent these losses often relied on chemical pesticides, which not only diminish the nutritional value of crops but also harm soil health.

“Despite being an agricultural country with a strong production capacity in fruits and vegetables, Pakistan’s output remains at risk due to these post-harvest challenges,” she said, while suggesting the use of bio-controls for addressing post-harvest losses.

Ghulam Mustufa Nangraj spoke about the inefficiencies of federal and provincial policies leading to low crop yields and significant yield gaps.

He pointed out that a major contributor to post-harvest losses was inadequate infrastructure and poor handling practices.

“Pakistan loses an estimated 30-45% of its perishable fruits and vegetables and 15-20% of its cereals after harvest, resulting in an annual economic loss of approximately Rs400-500 billion.

“Regionally, Punjab experiences a 20-30% loss in wheat and over 40% in fruits and vegetables. Sindh faces a 30-45% loss in perishables, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa loses about 35% of peaches and tomatoes, and Balochistan sees over 40% fruit losses, primarily due to poor storage conditions.”

Other speakers, including Sumara Shaheen and Dr Afshan Rehman representing Karachi University, discussed essential components of post-harvest practices, while calling for minimising post-harvest losses through best practices, infrastructure improvements and farmer education.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2025