Indian traders call on minister for Agriculture

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr. Farrukh Javed has said that Punjab government is facilitating the farmers through its policies so that targets of production could be achieved. He said that government wants to promote trade with India on the basis of equality. Pakistan is capable of exporting best quality vegetables to India. Due to seasonal changes tomato crop has not only been affected in Pakistan but also in India. He said that fresh tomatoes from Sindh will reach Punjab within a week which will greatly reduce tomato price.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of Indian traders, here today. The Indian delegation included Vice President Delhi Trade Union Boshan Arora and Secretary Sanjay Kumar. Haji Amin Bhatti and Chaudhary Muhammad Ali represented Pakistani importers. During the meeting, Secretary Market Committee Shahzad Cheema and officers of concerned department were also present on the occasion.

Dr. Farrukh Javed said that in order to ensure timely provision of best quality vegetables in Pakistani markets, the time for import at border from India will be fixed from 8am to 2pm.

Talking on the occasion, head of Indian delegation Boshan Arora informed that tomato crop in India has been badly affected as a result of which tomato prices are increasing in India. He said that due to shortage, onion is being sold at a higher rate in India as compared to Pakistan. Pakistani traders informed that soon a big consignment of tomatoes from Sindh will reach Punjab which will result in considerable reduction in its price.

Dr. Farrukh Javed informed Pakistani traders that Punjab government will encourage private sector in setting up processing units as a result of which agri items will be available to the citizens at a reasonable rate during off season as well.