Decline of Karachi's Shareefa Market

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis and economic powerhouse, was once celebrated for its wide array of seasonal fruits, among which the Shareefa, or Custard Apple, held a special place. Known for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and high nutritional value, the fruit was a common sight in local markets during its peak harvest months from August to October. For generations, Shareefa was not only a dietary delight but also an affordable and accessible treat for middle- and lower-income households. However, in recent years, this beloved fruit has become a rarity in the city’s fruit bazaars. Prices have soared to unprecedented levels, making them inaccessible to many consumers and pushing them into the category of a luxury item.

The decline is both alarming and multifaceted. According to the 2023 report by the Sindh Agriculture Department, Shareefa production in Karachi and surrounding peri-urban areas has dropped by 60% over the last decade. Several interlinked factors are driving this decline. Rapid urbanization has consumed much of the agricultural land traditionally used for Shareefa cultivation. Climate change has further disrupted growing cycles, with rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns impacting yields. Farmers also face high input costs, lack of extension services, and limited cold storage or transport facilities, leading to significant post-harvest losses.

Moreover, poor supply chain infrastructure has worsened distribution challenges, often resulting in spoilage before the fruit reaches markets. If these issues remain unaddressed, Karachi may lose its once-thriving Shareefa trade altogether. Preservation of this seasonal delicacy requires urgent action, including investment in climate-resilient farming, incentives for peri-urban agriculture, and improved market access for small-scale fruit growers. Revitalizing Shareefa production could not only restore a cherished part of Karachi’s culinary heritage but also strengthen local food systems and rural-urban economic linkages.

Reasons Behind the Decline of Shareefa in Karachi

The decline of Shareefa cultivation in Karachi can be attributed to a combination of environmental, economic, infrastructural, and policy-related challenges. Climate change has played a significant role in disrupting the growing conditions that Shareefa trees depend on. Once well-suited to Karachi’s tropical-subtropical climate, Shareefa now struggles under rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and increased humidity. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the average temperature in Karachi has increased by 1.5°C over the past two decades, and frequent heatwaves are disrupting the pollination process and fruit formation. In addition, erratic monsoon patterns and sudden downpours are causing premature fruit drop. Moreover, heightened humidity levels, especially in the coastal belt, have triggered the spread of fungal infections like anthracnose, further diminishing yields. A 2022 study by the University of Karachi found that nearly 40% of Shareefa orchards in key areas like Malir and Gadap are suffering from climate-induced stress.

Urbanization has also taken a toll. Karachi’s agricultural heartlands such as Malir and Gadap have been swallowed by unchecked real estate development. Farmers, enticed by quick profits from land sales, are opting out of fruit cultivation. The Sindh Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 35% of Karachi’s agricultural lands have been converted into housing schemes in the past decade. The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has failed to enforce protective zoning laws to preserve green belts, leading to a rapid disappearance of fruit orchards.

Economically, Shareefa farming has become unsustainable. Farmers face water shortages and must rely on expensive tanker water for irrigation. Input costs for fertilizers and pesticides have surged by 25% in recent years. Even when the fruit is harvested, farmers face price suppression by middlemen who buy at low rates and sell at high markups. The traditional farming methods used by most Shareefa growers also contribute to inefficiency. Outdated irrigation methods such as flood irrigation wastewater, and limited access to training on pruning or pest control further hamper productivity.

Additionally, Shareefa’s short shelf life poses logistical challenges. With no cold storage facilities and poor transportation infrastructure, post-harvest losses reach up to 40%, making it unappealing to wholesalers. The absence of cold chain logistics not only increases spoilage but also prevents Shareefa from being exported, despite demand in international markets like the Gulf. Imported fruits, which are available year-round, better packaged, and more durable, have overtaken Shareefa in both affordability and consumer preference. Consumers are more inclined to purchase fruits that last longer and are easier to store, pushing seasonal fruits like Shareefa to the margins of the urban market.

Lastly, the lack of government intervention and targeted support for Shareefa growers compounds the problem. Without policy support, investment in cold chains, training programs, and price regulation, Shareefa cultivation will continue to decline. Unless urgent, integrated efforts are made to address these structural challenges, Karachi risks losing not only a once-vibrant fruit market but also a cultural and agricultural legacy tied deeply to the city's rural-urban landscape.

Measures to Revive Karachi’s Shareefa Market

Reviving Karachi’s Shareefa market requires a multi-pronged strategy that combines policy support, technological innovation, infrastructure development, and market diversification. To begin with, the government and agricultural departments must actively intervene to reduce the financial burden on farmers. Offering subsidies for essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and solar-powered irrigation systems can make Shareefa cultivation more economically viable. At the same time, declaring traditional growing areas like Malir and Gadap as protected agricultural zones can prevent further land encroachment and preserve remaining orchards. In terms of improving farming practices, partnerships with agricultural universities can be forged to deliver training programs on high-yield cultivation methods, drip irrigation, pruning, and organic pest control. Controlled-environmental agriculture, such as greenhouse farming, should be piloted to extend the growing season and protect crops from erratic weather conditions.

Addressing the post-harvest supply chain is equally crucial. Installing cold storage units near production areas will significantly extend the shelf life of Shareefa, while better packaging, such as ventilated plastic crates, can reduce damage during transportation. On the demand side, awareness campaigns can be launched to promote Shareefa’s health benefits, as it is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. By building a health-conscious consumer base, demand for the fruit can increase in urban markets. Furthermore, Pakistan can explore export opportunities, particularly in Gulf countries where there is a niche demand for exotic fruits. This requires improving quality control and meeting international phytosanitary standards.

To support small-scale farmers, local governments can establish weekly farmers' markets across Karachi, allowing producers to sell directly to consumers without the involvement of exploitative middlemen. E-commerce platforms like Daraz should be encouraged to list fresh fruit vendors, offering a new sales channel. Finally, investment in research is vital. Institutions such as the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) in Tando Jam should be tasked with developing disease-resistant, climate-resilient, and potentially year-round Shareefa varieties, ensuring the sustainability of this cherished fruit in the years ahead.

Conclusion

The decline of Karachi’s Shareefa market reflects broader structural issues in Pakistan’s agricultural and urban development landscape. Once a hallmark of seasonal abundance and local identity, Shareefa now teeters on the edge of extinction in the city due to unchecked urbanization, climate change, and systemic neglect. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasing fungal diseases have reduced yields, while the loss of farmland to housing schemes has stripped farmers of their livelihoods and consumers of cherished fruit. Economically, high input costs, inefficient farming practices, and the absence of cold storage and supply chain facilities have made Shareefa cultivation increasingly unviable. Meanwhile, imported fruits dominate markets due to their shelf stability and market presence, pushing Shareefa further into obscurity.

Yet, this trend is not irreversible. With timely and coordinated action, such as subsidies, zoning protections, cold storage investments, and market access innovations, Karachi can preserve and even rejuvenate its Shareefa sector. Promoting climate-resilient varieties, educating farmers, and building public awareness of Shareefa’s nutritional benefits are crucial next steps. Supporting small growers through e-commerce and direct sales will further democratize access and reduce reliance on exploitative middlemen. Ultimately, reviving Shareefa is not just about saving a fruit, it’s about preserving Karachi’s agricultural roots, improving food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods in a rapidly urbanizing world.

References: Sindh Agriculture Department; Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD); University of Karachi; Food and Agriculture Organization; Trade Development Authority of Pakistan

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writer is affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan and can be reached at bintemasoodagriculturist@gmail.com

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