I am pleased to note that PHDEB is organising a Kinnow show on 30-05-2006 to celebrate the record Kinnow export during 2005-06. This achievement has been possible due to the benevolence of the Almighty Allah for providing ideal conditions for Kinnow crop and untiring efforts of our farmers.
The role played by the exporters, the PHDEB, the EPB, the Agriculture Department of Punjab, MINFAL and the Ministry of Commerce are also laudable, particularly in penetrating new markets, particularly Russia, Iran and China. I hope that this momentum shall be maintained in coming years, also for export of mangoes this year.
I would, however, like to emphasise that in order to sustain the growth pattern in horticulture sector, PHDEB, Agriculture Universities and extension departments should also build human resource capacity, and focus on strengthening industry-academia linkages.
I wish success to all stake holders of the Kinnow sector in the coming years.