Business

‘Growers suffer due to fruit flies’

During recent years, fruit flies have been identified as the main factor damaging fruits

APP March 10, 2017

PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Chairman Standing Committee Ahmad Jawad said fruit fly infestation has not only caused huge losses to growers, but also adversely affected Pakistan’s exports.

During recent years, fruit flies have been identified as the main factor damaging fruits, especially apples, leading to a decrease in cultivation and exports.

The FPCCI chairman asserted the local apple farming industry would be badly affected due the increasing problems of pests and additional competition from China and New Zealand’s products.

“Pakistan’s apple production is likely to fall by 20% every year, and the large-scale penetration from China and New Zealand is a further blow to local producers,” he said.

However, he added that the country has a big potential to penetrate world’s apple market, given the industry was cared for properly.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2017.

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