Fruit and vegetables: ‘Modern techniques can double exports’

University working on projects aimed at improving the field of agriculture.

FAISALABAD:

With better management and application of modern techniques, exports can be doubled, according to University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan.

Currently 81 per cent of total fruit exports from Pakistan consist of kinnow, dates and mangoes; whereas, potatoes made up 46 per cent of total Pakistan vegetable exports, onions account for 21 per cent, and other fresh vegetables make up 30 per cent.

While addressing a European Commission delegation at the University of Faisalabad, Khan said that as many as 31 per cent of total fruits exported were linked with India, including dried dates.

The country’s total export stood at $365.4 million and total production of fruits and vegetables was 15.2 million tons.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2011.