Fruit production is not only a lucrative activity for growers, but also an excellent source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. Fruits are also famous as one of the richest sources of minerals and vitamins, which are essential for human health and growth.

The apple, a sweet and significant fruit of moderate climate, is highly appreciated throughout the world. It was first cultivated in Greece around 600 BC. C. or before. As time goes by, various types of wild varieties became known. Those varieties were probably spread by animals in Europe, before actual cultivation was practised.

It is relevant to write that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and also keeps old age away. It is a highly nutritious fruit that has vital food elements such as sugar, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins A, B, and C in a naturally balanced ratio. In Europe and America the apple is considered as “a jar of vitamins”. It ranks third in consumption after citrus and bananas and is available almost all year round.

Pakistan is blessed with the diversity of land, soil and climatic conditions that are favorable for growing various fruits, crops and vegetables. The beautiful and fertile mountainous valley regions in the northwestern provinces of Punjab, KPK and Balochistan are conducive to the cultivation of almost all temperate fruits.

An abundant production of fruits could pave the way for the establishment of processing industries and may eventually lead to a higher rate of employment and encourage exports of fruits and their related products.

Apples have been cultivated on a commercial scale in areas of KPK and Baluchistan, for centuries. Due to its lucrative income, apple farming was also adopted by growers in the areas of Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Chitral, Parachinar, Hunza, and the South and North Waziristan agencies.

Pakistan’s Swat district alone covers an area of ​​approximately over 4,000 square miles within the Malakand Division. The area consists of river valleys surrounded by beautiful mountains and has lush valleys and is a main source of supplies for the main plain of Swat. Swat district is one of the most central districts of all KPK apple growing areas. The others are Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Hunza and Chitral.

According to an economic survey, Pakistan produces about 700,000 metric tons of apples every year (estimated figures). And the share of Baluchistan province is about 60%. KPK contributes 25% of the total apple production. The remaining 15% is produced in Sindh and Punjab. According to statistics from a survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Pakistan’s apple production is greater than that of Great Britain, Canada and/or Israel.