The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has organised the first International Conference on Mango and Date Palm here from June 20 to 23, which is expected to help boost their production and export. UAF vice-chancellor Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad (Aizaz-e-Fazilat) will inaugurate the conference while Federal Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Sikander Hayat Bosan will be chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Apart from local scientists, experts from Australia, India, UAE, and Oman are expected to attend the conference.
Conference Acting Secretary Dr Amanullah Malik said here on Saturday that mango and date palm rank second and third, respectively in terms of production in the fruit industry of Pakistan.
"These two fruits together contribute more than 25 percent to production and 46 percent to our fruit export," he said, adding that with rapid technological advancement in communication, logistics, and post-harvest management, the international trade in these fruits has now reached over $831 million, and their demand continues to increase in all parts of the world.
"Due to the prime importance of these two fruits, there is great potential of trade for our country if we can meet the international demand and quality standards," he remarked.
The theme of the four-day conference is 'Production of Mango and Date Palm for Global Markets.'
The conference is being jointly sponsored by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Engro Chemicals Pakistan Ltd, Pakistan Horticultural Development and Export Board, Shakarganj Mills Ltd, and Pakistan Society for Horticultural Sciences in view of its importance under the WTO regime.
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