ISLAMABAD — Pakistani fruit traders have reported financial losses exceeding 20 million US dollars after large quantities of fresh produce spoiled before reaching
markets, according to traders’ associations and local officials. The losses reportedly involve fruits such as oranges, kinnow, apples, and other seasonal produce that deteriorated during transportation and storage.
Traders say the damage occurred primarily due to delays in supply chains, lack of proper cold storage facilities, and disruptions along major transport routes. As a result, large volumes of fruit reportedly rotted either on the way to markets or after arriving at wholesale distribution centers, making them unsuitable for sale or export.
Officials familiar with the situation confirmed that much of the produce was affected while in transit. In several cases, fruits remained stuck for extended periods due to logistical bottlenecks, border delays, and limited refrigeration capacity. Market authorities stated that by the time shipments arrived, the quality had significantly declined, forcing traders to discard entire consignments.
Videos circulating from Pakistan’s fruit markets appear to show piles of spoiled produce dumped or left unsold, reinforcing traders’ claims of widespread damage. In the footage, damaged fruit can be seen with visible signs of decay, prompting concerns over food waste and economic mismanagement within the agricultural supply chain.
Representatives of fruit traders’ unions stated that kinnow oranges were among the hardest hit products, with millions of dollars lost in a matter of weeks. They warned that continued losses could push small and medium-scale traders into financial distress, particularly those who rely on seasonal fruit sales for their annual income.
Agricultural economists note that Pakistan’s fruit sector is highly sensitive to timing and temperature control. Fresh produce requires uninterrupted cold storage and efficient transportation to maintain quality, especially during long-distance distribution. Any disruption, they say, can quickly result in large-scale spoilage.
Market officials acknowledged structural weaknesses in the supply system, including insufficient cold chain infrastructure and outdated market facilities. They emphasized that without urgent investment in storage, transport, and market modernization, similar losses are likely to recur in future seasons.
The situation has also raised concerns among exporters, as spoiled produce damages Pakistan’s reputation in regional and international fruit markets. Exporters warn that inconsistent quality and delayed deliveries could lead foreign buyers to seek alternative suppliers, further affecting the country’s agricultural economy.
Analysts point out that fruit wastage on this scale not only harms traders but also impacts farmers, transport workers, and consumers. Farmers often receive lower prices when markets are oversupplied with damaged goods, while consumers face higher prices when quality produce becomes scarce.
Experts have urged authorities to prioritize agricultural logistics reform, including improved cold storage networks, faster clearance procedures, and better coordination between transport agencies and market operators. They argue that reducing post-harvest losses could significantly boost profitability without increasing production costs.
For now, traders are calling on the government to provide emergency relief measures, including tax concessions and compensation for losses, while also addressing the root causes of the crisis. Without timely intervention, they warn, the financial strain on the fruit sector could deepen, threatening livelihoods across the supply chain.
As investigations continue and official assessments are finalized, the incident has become a stark reminder of how fragile agricultural trade can be when infrastructure and planning fail to keep pace with production.
