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The story of Pakistan’s food export sector is one of paradoxes: while boasting record-breaking achievements, it is overshadowed by systemic inefficiencies that threaten its long-term sustainability.
Considering the recent statistics, one cannot help but feel a mixture of pride and fear. On the one hand, we enjoy the historic export milestone of $8 billion achieved in FY 2023-24, which is 37% higher than last year. On the other hand, we worry about the systemic inefficiencies that threaten to derail this fragile ascent. This duality encapsulates Pakistan’s struggle: a nation brimming with potential but shackled by its infrastructural and policy shortcomings.
Ahmad Raza’s experience as a finance professional dealing with the challenges of fulfilling a large meat export order reflects the broader issues facing our export sector. Its inability to rely on organized farming infrastructure coupled with rising transportation costs underscores a recurring theme: our export success often feels like a house of cards, riddled with inefficiencies. There is a risk of collapsing. Despite a historic boom in meat exports to the Middle East, reaching $430.89 million, the lack of strong supply chains, quality standards and modern practices is preventing us from realizing our potential.
Such stories beg the question: Is our recent success the product of strategic brilliance, or simply a lucky alignment of external factors? It has been argued that while Pakistan’s meat exports to the Middle East reached $430.89 million, this achievement was less a result of domestic reforms and more of external market dynamics. India’s restrictions on food exports, along with the disruption caused by the Ukraine crisis, opened the door for Pakistani products to enter new markets. But relying on the mistakes of others is not a sustainable strategy. What happens when those doors inevitably close?
The story of Pakistan’s rice exports illustrates this weakness. Rice brought in an impressive $4 billion in 2023-24, boosted by rising domestic production and favorable international conditions, such as India’s struggle with pesticide compliance in the European Union. However, the future of this success hangs in the balance as our main competitor India lifts its restrictions and aggressively re-enters the market. Pakistani rice exporters now face a tough challenge to compete with Indian non-basmati rice, which is $100 cheaper per tonne.
Repeated acknowledgment of these problems without meaningful intervention is frustrating. Stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders, often cite the need for better supply chains, storage facilities and modern farming practices. Yet, these discussions often fail to translate into concrete results. For example, while the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan has made commendable efforts to promote Pakistani products through international exhibitions and targeted marketing strategies, these initiatives cannot compensate for the lack of basic infrastructure. Exporters only need platforms to showcase their products. They also need a system that ensures quality, efficiency and competitiveness.
The country stands at a crossroads. Pakistan’s food export sector can either be a cornerstone of prosperity or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities.
The role of technology in addressing these challenges cannot be overstated. Modern farming techniques, digital tools and data-driven decision-making are essential to improve production and meet international standards. Pakistan is behind in adopting these innovations. It is disappointing to see our exporters struggle with fundamental issues such as operational efficiency and compliance with international standards, while other countries move ahead with technology and sustainable practices.
There is a disconnect between the management’s aspirations and ground realities. Ambitious target setting – such as $25-30 billion in food exports over a few years – is commendable. However, this framework remains hollow without a comprehensive strategy to address the sector’s deep-seated problems. High electricity and fuel prices, inappropriate tax structure and exorbitant interest rates are some of the constraints that make it difficult for exporters to remain competitive. While the government’s efforts to explore new markets and trade routes are laudable, these initiatives must be accompanied by reforms that create an investor-friendly environment.
It is time for a paradigm shift. We must move beyond short-term fixes and reactive measures, adopting a proactive and holistic approach to revitalizing the food export sector. This requires not only investment in infrastructure and technology, but also a commitment to foster collaboration among stakeholders. Farmers, exporters, policy makers and researchers must work together to identify and implement solutions that address the root causes of our challenges.
Education and training also have a key role in this change. Farmers need access to knowledge and resources that enable them to adopt sustainable and efficient practices. Exporters must be equipped with the skills to navigate complex international markets and adhere to strict quality standards. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector can open up new opportunities for growth.
Despite the odds, we managed to achieve remarkable milestones, proving that the potential for greatness exists. However, capacity alone is not enough. It is imperative that we use our resources, energy and creativity to build a system that empowers our exporters and elevates our position globally.
The country stands at a crossroads. Pakistan’s food export sector can either be a cornerstone of prosperity or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities. We can continue to depend on external factors and contingencies to sustain our export growth or take bold steps to address the systemic issues that have long held us back. The choice will determine the trajectory of our economy for years to come.
As we prepare for the new year, we must ask ourselves this question: Are we ready to embrace innovation, challenge outdated practices, and embrace a future where Pakistan’s food exports drive its resilience and growth? A sign of?
The author is a policy analyst and researcher. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from King’s College, London.
