A three-member delegation of Prime Minister Inspection Commission, headed by Rukan Abdullah Gardezi and comprising Muhammad Tanveer Butt, member, PM inspection commission, and Hashim Hussain, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Industries & Production, met the management committee of Mango Growers Co-operative Society Limited in Multan.
Briefing them on the activities and problems of mango growers and mango industry, the president of the Mango Growers Co-operative Society Limited (MGCSL) Zahid Hussain Gardezi said that protracted efforts of Mango Growers Association Pakistan (MGAP) and MGCSL, spread over more than two decades, have now re-emerged in the shape of 'mango mania, during the present democratic government, where personalities like Hillary Clinton, David Miliband and Richard Holbrooke are talking about Pakistani mango. It has also taken the front stage as mango diplomacy in global politics of Pakistan.
He said that establishment of agro food processing facility in Multan under the board of management headed by president of MGAP, was the fulfilment of the long outstanding demand and now this Rs 359 million project, he hoped, should deliver the benefits to the small and medium mango growers under empowered new management.
Zahid said that upgradation of Multan airport to handle wide bodied aircraft to enhance mango and horticulture exports from the region is a landmark achievement due to personal interest of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He demanded establishment of a modern cargo complex at Multan airport on priority basis to help achieve the economic objectives of the mango growers.
He highlighted the need to waive all loans and outstandings of the growers of the flood affected mango orchards and demanded liberal compensations and dispensation of fertiliser and all production needs apart from the Bachat Cards for flood victims. He also demanded empowerment of agriculture associations and representation in all government institutions working for development of horticulture sector. He said that there is a need to establish mango clusters in higher density production areas to share the dividends of progress with small and medium farmers instead of working on high profile bigger orchards. Rukan Abdullah apprised the meeting about the role of Prime Minister Inspection Commission and his visit in this context to Multan.
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