Pakistan is a fertile land that cultivates a diverse range of vegetables across its summer and winter seasons. During the summer, crops such as tomatoes, chilies, brinjals, potatoes, and cucumbers are harvested, while the winter season sees the cultivation of cauliflower, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and carrots.
Tomatoes, in particular, are grown across all provinces of Pakistan, with the majority of production taking place in the Sindh and Baluchistan provinces. The combined production of vegetables during the summer and winter seasons amounts to approximately 5.571 million tons.
The vegetables produced in Pakistan are not only consumed domestically but also exported to various countries including the European Union, UK, KSA, UAE, Sri Lanka, Oman, Qatar, Malaysia, and some Central Asian countries. The exporters have established an efficient system for sorting, grading, and packaging, which aids in preserving the quality and vigor of the produce. This system ensures that the vegetables remain fresh and retain their nutritional value during transit, making Pakistani vegetables a favored choice in international markets.
Major Vegetables
- Tomato
- Carrot
- Garlic
- Bitter Gourd
- Bottle Gourd
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
Tomato
The tomato, a small, soft, red fruit, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes or consumed raw in salads. In Pakistan, the sowing times for tomatoes vary due to the diverse climatic conditions. Sindh leads the country in tomato production, followed by Baluchistan and Punjab.
In 2020, the total production of Carrots & Turnips was 594.2 metric tons. The major tomato varieties cultivated in Pakistan include Roma, Rio Grande, Sahil, FM-9, Topsin M., Beef tomato, and Cherry tomato. Each variety has its unique characteristics and contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.
Carrots
The carrot is a root vegetable that is typically orange, but can also be found in purple, black, red, white, and yellow varieties. Carrots are nutritional powerhouses, storing a wealth of nutrients. They contain more carotene than any other vegetable or fruit, which the body converts into vitamin A. This versatile vegetable is also an excellent source of vitamins B and C, as well as calcium pectate.
In 2020, the total production of Carrots & Turnips was 594.2 metric tons. The major tomato varieties cultivated in Pakistan include Roma, Rio Grande, Sahil, FM-9, Topsin M., Beef tomato, and Cherry tomato. Each variety has its unique characteristics and contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.
Garlic
Garlic, the second most cultivated allium after onion, is recognized worldwide as a valuable spice for food. The G1 variety of garlic in Pakistan is particularly noteworthy for its high nutrient content and medicinal value, making it suitable for the pharmaceutical industry, food processing, and household use. Pakistan earns approximately US$ 2.5 million from garlic exports.
In 2020, the total production of garlic was 85.6 metric tons. The major varieties include MJ-84, JS-1, NS-756, Italian, Chinese, and Pakhal Giant. Each variety contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
Bitter Gourd
The bitter gourd, despite its rough exterior and bitter taste, is a unique vegetable. It resembles a cucumber but is distinguished by its gourd-like bumps. There are two primary varieties of this vegetable. The larger variety grows to about 20 cm in length, has an oblong shape, and is pale green in color. The smaller variety is less than 10 cm long, oval-shaped, and has a darker green color. Both varieties have seeds that are white when unripe and turn red when ripe.
The major varieties of bitter gourd cultivated include Gulf-F1, Palee, and Faisal Abad Long. Despite its bitter taste, this vegetable is a staple in many cuisines due to its nutritional value and unique flavor.
Bottle Gourd
The bitter gourd, despite its rough exterior and bitter taste, is a unique vegetable. It resembles a cucumber but is distinguished by its gourd-like bumps. There are two primary varieties of this vegetable. The larger variety grows to about 20 cm in length, has an oblong shape, and is pale green in color. The smaller variety is less than 10 cm long, oval-shaped, and has a darker green color. Both varieties have seeds that are white when unripe and turn red when ripe.
The major varieties of bitter gourd cultivated include Gulf-F1, Palee, and Faisal Abad Long. Despite its bitter taste, this vegetable is a staple in many cuisines due to its nutritional value and unique flavor.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower, which originated in Europe, has spread across the globe and is now cultivated in many parts of the world. This crop, a refined variant of broccoli, is cherished for its white and tender head or curd, which are the short and thick parts of the flower buds. When consumed green, cauliflower is a good source of protein and vitamin B, making it a nutritious addition to any diet compared to other leafy vegetables.
In 2020, the total production of Cauliflowers & broccoli was 185.4 metric tons. The major varieties cultivated include Champa, Chitno Late, Snow Drift, and HCF-921A. Each variety contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
Cucumber
The cucumber, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is a significant vegetable and is considered one of the oldest cultivated by humans, with historical records dating back 5,000 years. In Asia, it ranks as the fourth most important vegetable, following the tomato, cabbage, and onion.
In 2020, the total production of cucumbers & gherkins was 46 metric tons. The major varieties cultivated include Waleed F1, Vega F1, DS 97-86, Kandil 97-219, and Poinsette. Each variety contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
Pumpkin
The pumpkin, typically of the Cucurbita pepo variety, is a round vegetable with smooth, slightly ribbed skin, and deep yellow to orange coloration. Its thick shell contains seeds and pulp. Some exceptionally large cultivars of squash with a similar appearance have been derived from Cucurbita maxima. Pumpkins are incredibly versatile in their culinary uses. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers.
In 2020, the total production of pumpkins and squash was 383.4 metric tons. The major varieties cultivated are local or desi varieties. Each variety contributes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and plays a significant role in the country’s economy.