Pakistan to double farm exports by 2035

ISLAMABAD:

The government plans to double agricultural exports to China and the Gulf region by 2035 by adopting climate?smart techniques under the newly unveiled Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan, according to an official document.

The plan integrates climate resilience and green growth initiatives with the China?Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), upgrading highways, ports and energy transmission systems to withstand environmental stress. It also includes developing Pakistan's first agricultural trade hub at Gwadar Port to leverage CPEC connectivity for larger markets and improved cold?chain logistics.

Existing special economic zones will be transitioned into green economic zones, adopting clean energy and circular economy practices to meet international standards and boost export competitiveness.

Other targets include reducing post?harvest losses by 20% for wheat, cotton and rice by 2028; lowering water consumption in agriculture by 20% through efficient irrigation, water pricing, intercropping and precision farming by 2030; expanding agroforestry initiatives to 50,000 hectares by 2030; transporting 50% of perishable exports through modern cold?chain networks by 2035; rootstock innovation on critical horticulture varieties by 2028; leveraging blue carbon initiatives to create new revenue streams from fisheries conservation; and optimising 30% of agricultural subsidies.