Pakistan eyes billion-dollar milestone in maize exports

Pakistan has immense agricultural potential and could earn over a billion dollars from maize exports by adopting improved cultivation practices and providing financial incentives to growers.

With targeted efforts, the country can boost production and expand its maize exports globally, speakers at a session "Unlocking the Maize Export Potential” observed. The event was organized by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

Muzzammil Rauf Chappal, Chairman of the Cereal Association of Pakistan, revealed that the last fiscal year was highly successful, with Pakistan earning around $500 million from maize exports due to favorable crop yields.

However, he raised concerns about the current year's significant 40% drop in maize production, which fell from 110 million metric tons to 70 million metric tons.

This decline has led to domestic maize prices soaring to around $300 per metric ton, well above the international market rate of $250-$260 per ton, reducing Pakistan's competitiveness in exports.

Despite these challenges, Chappal remains optimistic about the upcoming crop season. He believes strong domestic prices might incentivize farmers to increase production, potentially reversing the trend.

Last year, Pakistan exported 48,000 metric tons to the Philippines and a total of 2 million tons to countries like Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Qatar.

Chappal urged for a collaborative strategy to support maize growers. He suggested that improved cultivation practices and financial incentives could boost production and help Pakistan expand its maize exports globally.

With the right policies, he believes Pakistan's maize sector could become a significant player in the global market.

TDAP is actively working to enhance maize exports and organized the session to discuss maximizing Pakistan's maize exports, particularly to the Philippines.

The event featured key speakers, including Athar Khokhar, Director General of the Agro and Food Division at TDAP; Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Kazi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Manila; Muzzammil Rauf Chappal; and Fareeha Khan, Trade and Investment Councillor in Manila.