Shangla, Pakistan (Report: Aftab Hussain): Farmers in Shangla district are celebrating a successful harvest of Japanese persimmons this year, with the seasonal fruit being supplied to markets across Pakistan and creating promising income opportunities for local growers.
Ripening mainly during October and November, persimmons are cultivated in several parts of Shangla, where the cold climate, green mountain slopes and natural environment provide suitable conditions for fruit production. The fruit is valued for its distinctive taste, sweetness and nutritional qualities, making it popular among consumers in different parts of the country.
Harvest Boosts Local Economy
The strong crop has brought optimism to farmers in Shangla’s upper mountainous areas and other fruit-growing locations. Persimmon cultivation contributes to the rural economy by generating income not only for orchard owners but also for workers involved in harvesting, sorting, packaging, loading and transportation.
Supplies from the district are reaching markets in various Pakistani cities through local trading networks, supporting agricultural commerce and creating employment opportunities for people associated with the fruit supply chain.
Farmers Seek Modern Agricultural Support
Despite this year’s encouraging harvest, local growers say further improvements are needed to increase production, protect orchards from diseases and pests, and enhance fruit quality.
Farmers have urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the Agriculture Department to provide practical support, including training in modern farming methods, timely disease diagnosis, guidance on pruning and irrigation, and access to quality agricultural inputs and effective crop-protection measures.
They believe technical assistance and improved orchard management could help raise yields, reduce losses and ensure that better-quality fruit reaches consumers.
Better Packaging and Market Access Needed
Growers have also called for improvements in the marketing and transportation system. They say facilities for fruit sorting, safe packaging and temporary storage could help preserve quality and reduce wastage.
Access to larger markets and timely information about prevailing prices would also help farmers negotiate better returns for their produce.
Persimmon Cultivation Offers Further Potential
Fruit cultivation supports the livelihoods of many families in Shangla’s mountainous communities. Farmers believe that targeted government assistance could help expand persimmon production, improve household incomes and strengthen the district’s agricultural economy.
They have called for a survey of persimmon orchards across Shangla and the inclusion of the crop in formal agricultural development planning.
With better technical guidance, post-harvest facilities and market connections, growers believe Shangla’s Japanese persimmons could become a more reliable source of rural income and gain stronger recognition in national markets.