Pakistan can earn more foreign exchange by exporting the fresh fruits and vegetables by providing and establishing CA technology network in the country as it reduces the freight charges up to 5 times. This was stated by Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan VC UAF while expressing his views as chief guest during examining the mango quality at CA Lab here at Institute of Horticultural Sciences on Thursday afternoon.
He expressed his satisfaction over the taste and quality of the preserved mango and said that after passing even 47 days, everything is same as it was. He urged the need for provision of such facilities at far flung areas of the country so that the rural farmers can preserve their perishable commodities in such a controlled environment to get maximum profit by presenting such commodities in most demanding period. Dr Iqrar A Khan encouraged more investment on CA technology as it can pave the way for poverty eradication in rural areas of the country.
He said, though cotton is a major crop of the country and many industries and manpower is engaged in this sector but we should also have to put our focus on exporting mango and apple which are the most delicious fruits of the country that is why they are supposed to be the first choice of the customer of other countries.
Talking to the participants Senator Abdul Hai Khan Baloch told that apple of Balochistan is very famous in the world due to its unique taste but majority of the fruit could not reach the end users due to unfavourable conditions from farm to market. He vowed that he would play his role in expanding the CA technology in his province. He suggested that Gawader should also be furnished with CA technology as this initiative can help in revolutionising the farmers' life of the province.
Project Director CA Lab, UAF Dr Aman Ullah Malik briefed the participants about various functions of the lab and told that his institute is planning to hold a training workshop. He told that at least 10 persons from each province would be trained. He lauded the efforts of INGOT traders in expanding the CA technology in the country.