February 7, 2020: The World's renowned exhibition of Fruits & Vegetables – “Fruit logistica” has recently concluded in Berlin (Germany). Eight Pakistani companies set up their stalls while TDAP also established a national Pavilion in the exhibition.
More than fifty Pakistani delegate’s participated in this mega event. The participating companies received overwhelming response from the foreign buyers. The buyers from United Kingdom, France, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Morocco, displayed immense interest in Pakistani Kinnow, Dates, Potato, Onion, Green Vegetables, and mango and value-added products of fruits, mango pulp, Guava Pulp, Apple Juice concentrate for the forthcoming season to follow .
According to Waheed Ahmed, the Patron-in-Chief, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA), the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) set up a very attractive Pavilion in Hall # 26 which remained focus of attraction by the foreign buyers. Foreign buyers expressed deep interest in purchase of Fruits, Vegetables and value -added products worth of USD 25 million. However due to quality issues & various agriculture diseases the export is expected to remain between USD 12 – 15 million. Export to the European market is also likely to encounter problems.
On other hand despite bumper crop of Kinnow this year, the quality issues is likely to restrict export. Due to these issues, Pakistani exporters have put a “self-imposed ban” on export of Kinnow to EU market and it's also becoming increasingly difficult to honour commitment of exports' orders due to Kinnow being infected with various diseases.
Most of the Chinese stalls gave “deserted look” this year and participation by the Chinese delegates were significantly low besides lesser participation from other countries. Experts participating in the exhibition expressed fear that the Corona Virus is likely to have serious negative impact on International trade leading to significant reduction in volume of fruits, vegetables and foods.
Green House technology related to Climatic change and Hydroponics technology which cultivates green leaves vegetables on water remained center of attraction. The companies providing Green House technology & Hydroponics Technology were of view that with assistance of greenhouse technology the crops can be protected against the strong winds and insects getting along with the winds besides providing safeguard against high temperature and heavy rains.
Similarly with assistance of Hydro phonics technology within a short period of three weeks green leaves' vegetables of high quality can be cultivated. The vegetables obtained by use of Hydroponics technology can not only meet local market requirements but it can also be exported to generate valuable foreign exchange for the country.
A participating company of Netherlands producing hydroponics technology has offered to provide Hydroponics technology and similarly companies providing greenhouse technology and related – products has shown keen interest in providing greenhouse technology to Pakistan for cultivation of Agri –produces.
Waheed has stressed upon the Federal & Provincial Govts that to bring cultivation of fruits & vegetables as par International standards, Research & Development (R & D) shall be given due attention, it deserves.
Lack of awareness on part of farmers about modern techniques of cultivation particular excessive spray of pesticides on vegetables is an alarming issue for heath of consumers. Simultaneously the issue to export Pakistani agri-produces in the International market are also increasing – Waheed deplored
Press Release
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