As Pakistan strives to diversify its agricultural exports and tap into new markets, Dr. Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, an Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) with a Ph.D. from Zhejiang University, China, highlights the potential of strengthening cooperation with China to expand mushroom exports. Dr. Jahangir, a leading researcher in mushroom production, processing, and storage, underscores the benefits of such collaboration.
“Pakistan’s rich agricultural resources and favorable climatic conditions make it a prime location for mushroom cultivation. With a focus on quality, variety, sustainable production methods, and international cooperation, Pakistani mushrooms are poised for further gains in the international market,” he said in a recent interview.
The nutritional value, health benefits, and economic viability of mushrooms, particularly button and oyster varieties, are critical factors driving export growth. Recently, Pakistan has successfully exported mushrooms to France, China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Oman, Mozambique, and Malaysia. According to the World Bank, Pakistan’s mushroom exports from 2019-2021 totaled approximately US$6,000,000, indicating a promising start.
Despite this progress, Dr. Jahangir pointed out that Pakistan’s actual export volume in the mushroom industry remains relatively low compared to established exporters such as China, the Netherlands, and Poland. He added, “Pakistani exporters face competition in pricing, quality, and market access. The country’s mushroom exports have not reached their full potential due to a lack of technology and market access.”
China, one of the world’s largest consumers and producers of mushrooms, has an annual output of edible fungi exceeding 40 million tons, with a total value of over RMB 300 billion, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the world’s output. As a significant exporter, China boasts advanced mushroom cultivation techniques and a robust supply chain that could improve Pakistan’s mushroom sector. The two countries can benefit from this mutually beneficial partnership by sharing best practices and engaging in joint research and development initiatives.
In the context of agriculture and food processing, Pakistan and China have signed agreements and initiatives to enhance bilateral trade, technology transfer, and agricultural development. Dr. Jahangir suggests that joint initiatives or exchanges in agriculture between the two countries could directly or indirectly benefit the mushroom industry.
He also proposes establishing specialized research and innovation centers dedicated to mushroom cultivation, processing, and value addition in Pakistan. “Through these centers, both sides can advance sustainable mushroom production and contribute to environmental conservation, economic development, and social well-being,” he concluded.
