The overall export of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan is likely to sustain huge loss of $ 150 million due to coronavirus. Waheed Ahmed, the Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Export Association (PFVA) has said that Pakistan is currently confronted with an alarming situation due to unprecedented serious effects of corona virus pandemic.

All industrial sectors are under immense pressure due to Corona virus pandemic, however the demand of agriculture produces, fruits and vegetables have multiplied manifolds. In addition, suspension of flights has created serious threats for transportation and trading sectors.

Transportation of food stuff via sea route is also experiencing problems and under these circumstances only those countries having adequate food for their local population and strong agriculture sector can encounter such serious crisis, he added.

Due to curtailment of operations by airlines, the export of fruit and vegetable to Europe, Far East and Middle East faces serious threat, while closure of hotels, restaurants and sharp drop in tourism, there is a significant reduction in demand of fruits & vegetables in the world.

Mega super stores are shutting down as preventive measures against the deadly corona virus, which is having pronounced negative impact on export of fruits and vegetables as well, Waheed disclosed.

It is anticipated, if the present situation prevails for next two months, the overall export of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan is likely to sustain huge loss of $ 150 million, he cautioned.

If the coronavirus pandemic is not fully controlled then the export of mango, to be commenced from June, would also be seriously affected leading to huge financial losses to the exporters as well as agriculture sector, he added.

After sealing of western border of Pakistan, export of fruit and vegetable via land routes to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asian countries have also been suspended, he informed.

He also urged all political parties for joint efforts at this crucial time for development of the agriculture and horticulture sector, so that in case of any likely internal and external crises, the food security of Pakistan can be ensured.

In this context, serious efforts shall be made by all the political parties to chalk out well-defined policy to ensure implementation of the recommendations spelled out in the 10 years' comprehensive road map titled "Pakistan Horticulture Vision 2030" developed by the PFVA for rapid growth of this sector, Waheed suggested.

This road map developed by the PFVA through a tedious and time consuming process of consultations has not only been deeply acknowledged by the members of assemblies, the experts have also declared that this road map is a realistic documents for development of national policy for the Agriculture sector , he mentioned.

The export of fruits & vegetable can be enhanced to USD 2.5 billion within a period of five years should the recommendations given in the Vision-2030 on short , medium and long term policies is fully implemented.