KARACHI: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the producers in horticulture sector can increase their production manifolds by using modern techniques, which will also improve the quality of their produce.
The president, while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) at President House in Islamabad. The group of PFVA members included Aslam Pakhali and Muhammad Ismaeel and was led by the association’s Chairman Waheed Ahmed.
The president postulated that the latest technology and other scientific methods would not only benefit the growers but also help the people associated with horticulture sector. He assured the delegation of his support to resolve issues presently being faced by the sector. He also lauded the association for its efforts and strategies for development in the sector and asked the PFVA to send him detailed suggestions and proposals for improving the quality of fruits and vegetables in the country.
Hussain also suggested the delegation to establish effective coordination with ministries concerned both in the centre and provinces for improvement and resolution of issues in the sector. According to Ahmed, the meeting with the president was very fruitful as Hussain took a keen interest in the importance of this sector for support to the national economy and creation of job opportunities in the country, and had also stressed on introducing modern techniques in the agricultural sector.
Ahmed briefed the President about PFVA’s efforts for development of the sector and the subsequent impact on the increase in horticultural exports. He informed the president that the exporters were making the investment in pack houses and processing plants. The government was also supporting the establishment of pack houses and common facility centres of world centres with funding from Export Development Fund.
The PFVA chairman also informed President Mamnoon about a roadmap shared by the association with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and subsequent positive responds on the part of the prime minister. The prime minister had directed all ministries concerned to coordinate with PFVA for the development of horticulture sector and increase in exports.
