FAISALABAD: The missing links between policymakers and other stakeholders in the field of agriculture are creating hurdles in the way of exploiting the true potential of the key sector of Pakistan’s economy.
Mexican tasteless mangoes are being sold at $4 per piece in the US while the delicious mangoes of Pakistan have the potential to be sold at more than $5, but it is not the case due to lack of post-harvest technology.
This was revealed during a visit to the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) of the participants of 11th senior management course of the National School of Public Policy (Lahore) here on Monday.
Speaking about developments in the area of education, UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad said Rs80 billion had been spent on getting PhDs from abroad in the last 10 years, which was a tremendous breakthrough and a national investment, which would promote education in the country.
He, however, said enrollment in universities had increased only by 4% to 6% in 10 years, which was low when compared with other countries of the region like India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In these countries, enrollment had risen by 14%, 12% and 10% respectively.
He said the Planning Commission had allocated Rs600 million to the Toba Tek Singh campus of UAF, which was a milestone. In addition to this, the commissioner of Faisalabad Division provided financial assistance to 500 UAF students with the help of industrialists and business community.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2012.
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Please have your price corrected I bought Mexican mangoes yesterday @ 78 cents I live in Canada and USA is definitely cheaper than Canada so I disagree with the mentioned price. I agree that compared to Pakistani mangoes mexican mango is not as tasty. Sindhri & langra mangoes can certainly be a best seller here, provided sincere and honest efforts are made by Pakistani exporters.