Regional produce: Focus on G-B’s fruits for national interest

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee on Horticulture and Agri Produce Chairman Ahmad Jawad has welcomed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to start cargo flights in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) to export the region’s fruit produce to different parts of the world.

“G-B’s economy depends largely on fruits and horticulture. We could earn billions through fruit exports,” he said. He further said that there were huge opportunities in the agriculture sector and organic farming. “Climate and abundant water makes it ideally suitable for the sector’s progress.

“The most popular fruit of G-B is apricot. There are many types in the region and continuous experimentation would produce juicier and sweeter varieties,” he added.  Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has extended a firm commitment to fund value addition of apples and apricots along with guidance to local farmers to increase yield and quality as per international standards. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th,  2015.

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