Russia lifts ban on import of Pakistani fruits

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr. Farrukh Javed has said that the production of wheat and cotton is increasing gradually in the province and eleven new varieties of wheat and ten of cotton having resistance power against diseases have been recovered. He said that out of 58 thousands watercourses, 43720 watercourses have been cemented.

Dr. Farrukh Javed disclosed that markets of mango will be established in Multan and Kinno in Sargodha under supply chain project. He said that supply chain project is being prepared with the cooperation of World Bank through which not only farmers will get best yield but also have access to international markets for exporting their products.

He expressed these views while answering to the questions raised by Assembly Members in Punjab Assembly, here today. Dr. Farrukh Javed told that government is giving priorities to generate energy through alternate sources under which one lakh tube-wells will be transferred to biogas throughout province. Replying to a question about citrus, Dr. Farrukh Javed told that citrus is our important fruit and the country earns foreign exchange of billion of rupees through its export. He told that most of Kinno is exported to Russia, Iran, Indonesia and Malaysia.

He said that Russia imposed ban on import of Pakistani fruits last year which was got lifted due to timely steps and now our fruit is being exported to Russia in a large quantity. The Provincial Minister said that work is continuing at a project costing Rs.227 million for eliminating fruit-fly. He said that 120 farmer field schools have been set up under fruit and vegetable project where practical training of one year has been imparted to three thousands gardeners of citrus. He said that due to timely steps of the government, the quality and quantity of citrus fruits will improve.

Regarding fruit and vegetable markets, Dr. Farrukh Javed told that government intends to shift these markets out of cities to those places where eatable items could be supplied in a better manner. He told that according to the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, agriculture land from 12 to 25 acre is being provided to 1609 agri-graduates in 26 districts on a five years lease so that they benefit from their modern education. He said that more 5500 watercourses will be improved under PIPIP. He assured Assembly Members that government will take all out measures for protecting farmers’ interests and its policy with regard to resolving problems of farmers on priority basis is very clear.