30/07/2026
**PRESS RELEASE**
*PHDEC Launches Summer Guava Bagging Pilot Project in Punjab's Largest Guava Cluster to Promote Export-Quality Production**
**Sharaqpur, Punjab | July 29, 2026**
*Reported by: Zahid Bashir Anjum Satiana Faisalabad*
**SHARAQPUR:** The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), an organization under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan, has launched a Summer Guava Bagging Pilot Project in Sharaqpur, Punjab's largest and most renowned guava-producing cluster. The initiative aims to improve fruit quality, reduce fruit fly infestation, promote export-oriented production, and strengthen Pakistan's competitiveness in international guava markets.
The initiative builds upon PHDEC's successful Mango Bagging Project, which has significantly improved fruit quality, appearance, and market value over the past three years. Encouraged by these results, PHDEC introduced Winter Guava Bagging in Sharaqpur in November 2025, distributing 50,000 guava bags to growers and demonstrating encouraging results in reducing fruit fly infestation. Building on this success, PHDEC has now distributed an additional **50,000 guava protection bags free of cost** to growers in Sharaqpur to safeguard fruits during the critical summer production period.
Pakistan produces nearly **800,000 metric tons** of guava annually, placing it among the world's leading guava producers. However, despite growing demand from the European Union (EU), Central Asian Republics (CARs), and other premium markets, Pakistan's fresh guava exports remain largely confined to Gulf countries due to cosmetic defects, fruit fly infestation, bruising, and non-compliance with international quality standards.
To address these challenges, the protective bags distributed by PHDEC are specifically designed to:
* **Pest Control:** Protect fruits from fruit flies and other insect pests.
* **Chemical Reduction:** Reduce the need for synthetic pesticide applications.
* **Physical Damage Prevention:** Minimize mechanical damage caused by wind and branch friction.
* **Environmental Protection:** Shield fruits from adverse weather conditions such as smog and frost, thereby enhancing shelf life and export quality.
# # # **Technical Workshop & Export Readiness Training**
To complement the pilot project, PHDEC organized a practical training workshop titled *"Summer Guava Production, Bagging Technology, Export Linkages and Awareness on PHDEC Certification Project for Export Readiness."* The workshop provided practical guidance on export-oriented production practices, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), harvesting, post-harvest management, and compliance with international quality standards.
* **Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), AARI Faisalabad:** Experts conducted technical sessions detailing correct fruit bagging techniques, the ideal growth stage for bagging, post-bagging orchard management, and effective fruit fly prevention strategies.
* **Department of Plant Protection (DPP):** A representative delivered a presentation on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, export protocols, quarantine regulations, phytosanitary compliance, and traceability systems necessary for accessing high-value international markets.
* **Commercial Linkages:** Leading guava exporters interacted directly with growers to foster commercial ties and promote contract farming arrangements for premium guava production.
* **PHDEC Certification Awareness:** The PHDEC team briefed participants on adopting internationally recognized certification systems to improve food safety, traceability, market intelligence, and buyer linkages.
PHDEC representatives reaffirmed the company's commitment to promoting modern production technologies, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the export competitiveness of Pakistan's horticulture sector. PHDEC will closely monitor the pilot project throughout the season and plans to expand the initiative to other major guava-producing regions across Pakistan.
🌹 **Zahid Bashir Anjum Satiana Faisalabad** 🌹
