NA panel calls for addressing potato losses

ISLAMABAD:

Parliamentary committees on Tuesday pressed the Ministry of National Food Security to address losses suffered by potato growers, improve agricultural planning, accelerate export opportunities, and tighten food safety standards, particularly for fruit juices.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, reviewed issues relating to potato production, exports, food quality and development projects, while the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security examined standards for fruit juices and consumer safety.

During the National Assembly committee meeting, members voiced concern over heavy losses incurred by potato farmers due to poor prices and delays in exports.

Committee member Rana Muhammad Hayat said potato growers had suffered enormous financial losses, alleging that the government had failed to provide timely support.

Food security secretary informed the committee that Russia had agreed to register Pakistani exporters for potato imports and that all legal formalities between the two countries had been completed. Director general plant protection said Russia would register more than 100 exporters.

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security focused on standards for fruit juices and consumer health.

The food security secretary informed the committee that a study conducted by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) found excessive consumption of fruit juices could be harmful to health.

He said juice cartons should clearly display information about chemicals used, their effects and safe consumption limits. "The Ministry of Health has also reported health risks associated with excessive consumption of fruit juices and warned that cheaper flavoured drinks posed greater risks."

Committee members questioned the absence of uniform standards. Officials stated that the PSQCA had yet to finalise comprehensive standards, while the Punjab Food Authority had proposed that fruit juices should contain at least 10 per cent fruit pulp and carry complete labelling information.