http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...8-5-2006_pg7_20


Monday, May 08, 2006

Pakistani fruits and vegetables on a roll

Staff Report

LAHORE: The export of fruits and vegetables was boosted to $40 million in 2004-05, and substantial progress is also expected in the current fiscal year because of the environment offered by the government to exporters, said Punjab Agricultural Marketing Minister Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon at a meeting to review the facilities for fruit and vegetable exporters on Sunday.

The meeting was told that more than 281 million kilogrammes of fruits had been exported, earning $90 million in foreign exchange, whereas almost 171 million kilogrammes of vegetables worth $50 million had been exported in 2004-05.

Plans had been made to increase the export of fruits, vegetables and flowers, the minister said, adding that a modern Citrus Resource Centre was being established in Bhalwal to improve the storage system for the fruit.

Rana said the 30 fruits and vegetables markets were being improved and development work on market committees was being carried out at a cost of Rs 1.19 billion.

He said flower markets were being established to improve marketing and boost the export of flowers. Market committees of Punjab would be computerised by the end of this year, he said, adding that electronic display boards were also being set up in major cities.

we export away yet domestic demand is not being met, however domestic profits are not teh same as export ones. ythis is why modern farming techniques are needed and the building of amny more farms and a swift end to feudalism so that land can be used rather than abused.

pakistan is a growing country and it needs a lot more food.

Agreed; Pakistan do need modern farming techniques and awareness, solid effort is needed from GOP to ensure these techniques to reach at farmer level at affordable price.