Emerging Viticulture Industry In Pakistan-An Overview Of Challenges and Prospects

Emerging Viticulture Industry In Pakistan-An Overview Of 
Challenges and Prospects 
Muhammad Hashir Khan (Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture 
University Rawalpindi), Irfan Ali (Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid 
Agriculture University Rawalpindi), Muhammad Tahir Akram (Department of 
Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi), Rizwan Rafique 
(NFREC-IFAS, University of Florida USA 32351) 
Corresponding email: arid132@uaar.edu.pk; rizwanrafiqueuf@gmail.com 
Abstract 
Pakistan has a very long-standing history in the cultivation of grapes, spanning several 
decades. Contrary to traditional viticulture regions across the globe, optimized grapes 
cultivation management strategy is still at a developing stage in Pakistan. Multifaceted 
challenges, in terms of climatic variability, high disease incidence, lack of a robust 
viticulture breeding programme, poor vineyard management, shortage of skilled labor, 
inappropriate postharvest handling, lack of storage facilities coupled with market volatility 
all come together to influence fruit production and net profitability from the vineyard. The 
objective of this review is to elucidate the current status, challenges and way forward for a 
profitable grapes cultivation in Pakistan. Traditionally, Balochistan is the main growing 
region with a chuck share of more than 90%, fertile plains of Punjab have shown a rapid 
rise with area crossing around 2000 ha. Grapes production in KPK have been varying with 
years and many new emerging groves show a high potential for these areas. Over the years, 
the traditional cultivars have faced a major declined and replaced by new early maturing 
cultivars such as King s Ruby, Flame Seedless, Perlette and Sultanina C particularly in 
Punjab and KPK areas. Similarly, areas in Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are suitable for 
commercial viticulture. Some traditional commercial grapes cultivation areas in Sindh 
have been lost due to climatic, lack of irrigation, disease and marketing issues. Amongst 
the others like lower production, inferior fruit quality coupled with excessive pesticide 
applications mark as key challenges to the industry. However, opportunities abound with 
increasing local interest in grape production and the possibility of economic profits through 
public private collaborations. Choosing a 3R approach i.e., right cultivar, right place and 
right management production technology, value addition-training and research and supply 
chain management through a public-private partnerships, could overcome many of the 
challenges faced by viticulture sector and turn it into multi-million industry in Pakistan.  
Keywords: Emergence, Grapes, Practices, Production.