Agriculture department organized Punjab Agri Expo 2018 to highlight the importance of fruits, vegetables and high value agriculture crops, rice of country's own produced at international level. Expo will come to an end on June 24. Minister for Agriculture Punjab Sardar Tanvir Ilyas inaugurated opening ceremony of Punjab Agri Expo, 2018 whereas Dr Wasif Khursheed, Secretary Agriculture, Punjab also participated in it. Ambassadors of Bella Rosa, Karghistan and Nigeria were also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, Minister for Agriculture Punjab Sardar Tanvir Ilyas said that this event will give a new horizon and open new doors of opportunities for producer, exporter and companies indulging in agriculture business in this country.
He also appreciated Agriculture department for organizing such a mega event. Minister for Agriculture, Punjab also said that it is obvious that horticultural, high value agriculture and rice production is a highly profitable enterprise which increases employment opportunities and brings about increased commercialization of rural areas. But, much more efforts are needed to be undertaken to bring resource-poor farmers and landless laborers into this development. So, for the first time it is the central theme for Agriculture Department to high light the importance of agricultural product.
Dr Wasif Khursheed, Secretary Agriculture Punjab disclosed that agriculture is a major contributor to the national economy, accounting for over 21 percent of its GDP. About 80% of the country's foreign exchange originates from agriculture and Punjab contributes over 60% to this amount.
Pakistan is 3rd largest producer of dates and citrus. Pakistan is currently an important producer and exporter of citrus by generating 95% of the world Kinnow production. Pakistan is ranked at 4th in the world for mango production.