October 23, 2002	Wednesday	Sha’aban 16,1423

QUETTA, Oct 22: Balochistan Food and Agriculture Minister Haji Mohammed Qasim Khan Achakzai on Tuesday said the present government was making all out efforts to increase fruit and other product’s exports from the province.

Speaking at the inaugural function of three-day Pakistan Apple Show here, he said with the efforts of the government Balochistan’s apples and other fruits were introduced abroad.

The apple show was organized by the Export Promotion Bureau in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of Balochistan.

He said Balochistan was famous for its best quality apples where more than 30 varieties were produced. The show is a positive step to introduce these varieties to the outside world.

Achakzai lauded the role of EPB, agriculture scientists, Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, growers and industrialists for promoting exports from the province.

Speaking on the occasion, director agriculture Abdul Hamid Bajwa said Balochistan shared 80 per cent of total apple production in Pakistan which was equal to 0.4 million ton annually. “It has great potential and we can produce about 70 different kinds of fruits and vegetables here.” Senior vice-president, QCCI, Mohammed Farooq, said that since 1994 (when the first apple show was held) 5,134 tons of apple had been exported to foreign countries.

The Gulf, Far East and Bangladesh were the main markets of Balochistan’s apples. He demanded of the government to provide land for establishment of apple treatment plant in the province so that the export of apple could be increased.

Director EPB, Balochistan, Sajid Hussain, in his address of welcome address assured exporters of his cooperation and stressed on them for export of quality products and their on-time delivery to customers in foreign markets. Aminuddin Khan Bazai, representative of Agriculture Chamber of Commerce, Balochistan; and Salahuddin Khan, president, Apple Growers Association, Peshawar, also spoke on the occasion.