Punjab Agriculture Marketing Minister Rana Qasim Noon on Sunday said road trade with India is a big breakthrough, which would help in decreasing the prices of vegetables of daily-use besides, overcoming the artificial shortage of vegetables.
The import of farm produces from India is not a long-term policy of the government but it is based on demand and supply basis.
"This is not ultimate.' Federal government has also allowed import of frozen Halal meat", he added. He was addressing the one-day national seminar on 'Scope for establishing fruit processing units for 'mangos/citrus' held under the aegis of the Habib Bank at a local hotel here.
The minister said memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with China and Iran for the export of citrus fruits, rice and mangoes. One MoU for the promotion of investment has also been signed with China for transfer of cheaper processing technology, he added.
Rana Qasim Noon said that efforts were being made to start citrus/potato trains from Bhalwal and Okara and mango train from Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan for timely export of citrus fruits, mangoes and potatoes on reduced charges.
He said that all the total area utilised for the production of fruits, 35 percent is under use for citrus fruits production, while 17 percent is used for mango production.
Pakistan was earning over 17 million dollars annually from the export of fresh mangoes. The establishment of post-harvest processing and cold storage facilities close to growing areas like Multan, Sargodha, Makran, RY Khan and Northern Areas is necessary, he said, adding the role of middleman should also be minimised.
The Punjab Agri Marketing Co (Pamco) will go a long way to resolve problems of growers, processors and exporters, he said.
Rana Qasim Noon said for lack of proper fruit processing industry and non-availability of post-harvest operations, the farm sector is incurring losses between Rs 25 billion and Rs 35 billion annually as up to 35 percent of the total farm produces face physical losses at various stages, after the crops have been matured and before the food is consumed.
It is imperative to promote proper fruit processing industry in the country to exploit rich horticultural production, which is mostly high value cash crop, he added.
He said new and improved facilities were being provided in the agri markets under a comprehensive policy, adding the government was trying to reduce the post-harvest losses to increase production of fruits and vegetables with better seeds and improved production technology. The banks can play an important role in promoting investment in the farm, he noted.
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