MULTAN: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan said Pakistan would export mangoes and kinnows to Belarus.
He was addressing a ceremony regarding launching of a manual, a guideline book about modern mango nurseries, developed by Australian and Pakistani scientists, here at the Bahauddin Zakariya University on Saturday.
The minister said efforts were being made to explore new markets for export of mango and citrus fruits.
Sikandar Bosan said modern agri methods and practices were of vital importance not only for the country but also for growers.
He said the incumbent government was focusing on the agriculture sector and efforts were underway to provide interest free loans and solar energy tube-wells to farmers.
The minister said Pakistani mangos were appreciated by the UAE market and Europe union markets this year.
He said the government had also reduced duty on import of agri-machinery to facilitate farmers.
He stressed growers to shift their focus from traditional nurseries to modern ones.
Bosan added that the manual on modern nurseries would surely help growers to achieve the best quality of mangoes.
He appreciated cooperation between Pakistani and Australian scientists for promotion of quality mangoes.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Bahauddin Zakariya University Dr Khawaja Alqama also spoke and highlighted importance of sharing of experiences and coordination among scientists for boosting of agriculture.
Australian Scientist Dr Ian SE Bally said guidelines were arranged after a comprehensive research and modern nurseries had an ability to counter diseases, including mango malformation, mango sudden death and others.
