Apples, known for their nutritional value and economic potential, have played a notable role in Pakistan’s horticulture sector. From a humble beginning of just 1.9 thousand acres in 1957-58, the area under apple cultivation in Pakistan has seen significant changes over the decades, driven by regional priorities, environmental conditions, and market demand.

📈 Growth Across the Decades

In the late 1950s and early 60s, apple cultivation was limited mostly to small pockets in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan. By 1965-66, the area expanded to 10.4 thousand acres, signaling the beginning of a gradual upward trend. The 1970s and 1980s saw a more consistent increase, largely due to improvements in irrigation, awareness, and agricultural practices.

🌍 Regional Contributions

• Balochistan has emerged as the apple capital of Pakistan, contributing the lion’s share to the total area. By 2022-23, Balochistan alone accounted for 175.99 thousand acres, which is over 93% of the national total.

• KPK has maintained steady growth over the years, peaking at around 23.97 thousand acres in 2008-09 before a gradual decline.

• Punjab saw fluctuating trends, with peaks in the 1980s and a resurgence in 2019-20, reaching 2.22 thousand acres, but eventually dropping to zero by 2020-21.

• Sindh, which played a very minor role historically, completely phased out apple cultivation after 2003-04.

📉 Recent Decline in National Area

After reaching a peak of 279.24 thousand acres in 2007-08, apple cultivation began to decline, primarily due to:

• Climate change impacts, including water shortages and rising temperatures,

• Shift to more profitable or climate-resilient crops,

• Lack of post-harvest infrastructure and market access in remote regions.

By 2022-23, the national area under apple cultivation had fallen to 187.59 thousand acres, with only two provinces (KPK and Balochistan) actively growing apples.

🚜 Way Forward

Revitalizing apple production in Pakistan requires:

• Investment in cold storage and value chain infrastructure,

• Promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices,

• Support to smallholder farmers through subsidies and training,

• Encouraging research and development for high-yield, climate-resilient apple varieties.

🍏 Conclusion

Apples hold great promise for boosting rural economies and nutrition in Pakistan. While challenges exist, especially regarding sustainability and market access, a strategic focus on this high-value crop can turn the tide and make Pakistan a stronger player in the regional fruit market.

Download Data on Overview of Apple Cultivation in Pakistan (1957–2023)  

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