Agriculture product exports stand low

Lack of credit and technology, diseases impede growth.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has failed to tap the export potential of agriculture products in the international market in view of lack of access to credit facilities and technological developments, says Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security and Research.

“However, the government is committed to enhancing exports of food products by developing linkages between developing and developed countries,” he said while speaking at a seminar on “Better agricultural practices for sustainable growth” here on Tuesday.

He believed that farmers were capable of meeting domestic consumption needs as well as enhancing overseas sales as Pakistan was rich in fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants.



Globalisation and integration of trade had left its impact on many countries including Pakistan, but it had not been able to benefit from these linkages due to poor access to finances and technological progress, he said.

“We also need to undertake safety measures to aid exports,” he added.

Plant and animal diseases were also issues that should  be addressed as importing countries were very conscious about health safety. “We are among countries whose exports stand low because of plant and animal diseases,” he said.

Giving assurances, Bosan stressed that the government would provide necessary assistance to the agriculture sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2014.

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