Federal government has prepared a comprehensive programme for increasing the export of value-added horticulture products from the country.
Official sources told Business Recorder here on Sunday that under the programme, the government would encourage private sector to invest in establishment of green houses. For this purpose, the government would provide concessional financing to the interested persons for boosting the export of value-added horticulture products in the country.
The Pakistan Horticulture Development Export Board (PHDEB) will provide services of hired cool vans to exporters of flowers on experimental basis in Lahore and other stations where exporters show their keenness. Sources said that internationally accepted quality standards would be ensured in the export of horticulture products.
Under the programme, the PHDEB would take appropriate measures developing standards for horticulture products for ensuring smooth exports of value-added horticulture from Pakistan.
The adoption of such standards would be voluntary but the exporters complying with such standard would be eligible for a freight subsidy. In addition to this, the government had focused its special attention on the promotion of agriculture exports from the country.
Under the programme, apple treatment plant in Quetta and date processing plants would be established at Khairpur, Turbat and DI Khan. Sources revealed that specialised agro processing zones are being established at Mirpurkhas, Multan and Risalpur.
The step is being taken to provide maximum facilities to the apple and date growers of these areas, sources added.