#Pakistan needs penetration in $180 billion world #horticulture market March 02, 2014 IQBAL MIRZA Pakistan needs to penetrate the annual $180 billion world #horticulture market to increase its share in exports of fruits and vegetables which are in great demand abroad. There could be a dramatic increase in the export of horticulture products from Pakistan provide government defined broad objectives in this sector to facilitate exporters put their best foot forward in capturing major share in the international market. Senior member, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahmad Jawad told Business Recorder that country holds immense comparative production advantage in horticulture sector as our fruits, vegetables, and #floricultural products have rich potential to clinch major share in worlds $180 billion plus annual market. Government, he said, establish export houses to develop horticulture sector in a planned way. Despite its significance in the agriculture growth, commercial activities and poverty alleviation the horticulture sector has not received the attention it deserves so far, he said. He said that slow development reflects weak policy and regulatory frame work, production and productivity problems, post harvest losses, marketing problems and limited capital investments. These problems contributed to low quality standards, minimal export of horticulture exports, low rates of return on investment that consequently fail to attract new investments. Pakistan occupies prominent world position in terms of production, ie apricot, kinnow, onions and mangoes etc. With more than 435,000 hectares under vegetables, country ranks 17th in the world while in production it ranks 20th with a total production of around 55,001,000 tons. Its time that we formulate a comprehensive horticulture policy which should indicate broad direction, create institutions and define their respective roles, make rules for co-ordination and provide incentive and reward system for various stakeholders. Jawad also suggested that government's role should be confined to policy formulation, regulation, capacity building and facilitation and within the national policy settings, country horticulture sector may be developed following broad objectives which includes increased productivity and profitability, make horticulture products competitive ensure sustainability and equitable distribution; he asserted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2014 #FARMERS #AGRICULTURE
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:25:27 +0000
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