Recently concluded in Berlin (Germany) the world-famous “Fruit Logistica” exhibition of fruit & vegetables. The TDAP has set up a national pavilion and eight Pakistani companies set up their stalls.
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.
FRUIT LOGISTICA, fresh produce trade show, annually in February in Berlin, the capital of Germany, Europe.
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.
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
