High-Tech Lab is urgently required for better citrus prices

President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said Sargodha is one of the most developed cities of Pakistan, where growth opportunities are available for all sectors including agriculture and industry. Sargodha has good economic conditions because of its location within the National Corridor.

In view of general localized requirements of Sargodha district, particularly Sargodha city, there exists good scope for detergent powder, ready-made garments, wooden furniture, electrical accessories, PVC pipes, steel furniture and fibreglass water tanks etc., and high potential of growth and investment is available in the city.

The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said the agriculture products of the city include wheat, rice, sugarcane, citrus, mango and guava which are traded across the country. Pakistan produces 10 percent of the global citrus production, major portion of which is contributed by Sargodha.

Bhalwal Industrial Estate spans over 450 acres and is located in the best citrus producing area of the world in District Sargodha. The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) established a small industrial estate unit in Sargodha. The Unit comprised about 52 acres land. Rs. 8.455 million allocated in 2009-10 for establishment of centre for development of Wood Craft Traditional / Contemporary.

The former minister added a summary has been worked out to connect Sargodha with CPEC through a link road, the project for construction of a link road is under consideration of the district government to connect Sargodha with CPEC, which will further enhance the economic and industrial development of the city.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that in order to get better prices of locally products citrus, there is a dire need of establishing a High-Tech lab, which can certify the local producers regarding health and environment. The citrus will not only reach to expensive international markets which will increase the foreign exchequer of the country, but will also help in  increasing Pakistan's share in global citrus market. Establishment of export processing zone is also very important where cold stores, marketing and market information market should be available to increase the city’s export.