December 7, 2003

Treasures untold abound in the north of Pakistan. Minerals, beauty and fruits, the list is endless. And in this long list of sweet success, apricot is a major source of income for the locals

WITH the arrival of cold breeze, streets and bazaars of Rawalpindi/Islamabad are seen decorated with dried fruits. Among them is the dried apricot of Gilgit-Baltistan, famous for its dietary and taste.

In Europe and America ‘Hunza Apricot’ has achieved a divine status. It has been cited in many books, articles and papers by explorers and researchers of all over the world. Many have considered apricot as a major force behind longevity in the region. Apricot and its oil are used as a ‘chill killer’ during winter, especially during the hibernation period.

For centuries, this mountainous region of present Pakistan used to get cut-off from rest of the world during the harsh winters. It was during this hard period that apricot used to run the wheel of life in the valleys of Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush. Apricot was the main ingredient of the local diet as well as the nucleus of the rural economy. People used to eagerly wait for it as one of the first summer fruits. Apricot also has a cultural importance in the area.

Apricot has a long history. It is said that nearly 4000 years ago it was discovered in China, from where it was brought westward and introduced in Gilgit-Baltistan. Latter on, it was spread to other parts of the world. According to Qayum Ali Shah, an agriculturist who also works in the fruit business, “an average apricot tree rises to 15-20 feet tall and properly produces fruit for 25 years. The trees require an extensive cold, foggy period for rest.”

Dr Zakir Hussain, a doctor from the Diamer, who also writes on health issues, says, “Apricot is full of vitamin and minerals. It is cholesterol free, low in sodium, low in fat and is a good source of potassium. Thus is a natural defence against heart diseases.”

Many myths are associated with the apricot. It is considered a fertility enhancing fruit. Some nutrition experts even contend that the ingredients of the apricot may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure.

The apricot tree is of a reddish-brown bark, with heart-shaped leaves and the blossoms are pale pink or white in colour. The flavour is usually sweet to tart; some are even of free flavours. It is a versatile dried fruit, which can be used in sweet, savoury and many other dishes. It is also used for jam, chutneys and sauces etc. It has many varieties; at least 50 of them exist in Gilgit-Baltistan. It has a relatively short fresh season, available fresh in the summer and dried for the rest.

Major apricot producing countries are Turkey (13 per cent), Russia (10 per cent), Italy (9.7 per cent), Greece (nine per cent), Spain (8.2 per cent), France (five per cent) and USA (five per cent). Pakistan is, unfortunately, not on the ‘apricot map of the world’ despite having a world-class apricot. Due to poor economic and trade policies the agriculture sector remained in a state of apathy while many trade-companies in the West are making a lot of money with the sale of fake brand ‘Hunza Apricot.’

Apricot and other delicious mountain fruits have been ignored in the country and thus growth of the regional economy remains sluggish. Fortunately some non-governmental organizations have started to make the mountain people aware of their precious fruits and they are trying to attract the government and private sector to take initiatives.

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) acts as a catalyst for rural development, organizing local human and financial resources in order to enable the communities to bring about their own development in an equitable and sustainable manner. The Dry Fruit Project (DFP) is an initiative of the AKRSP with the objective of supporting small-scale local fruit producers to increase their income through training in improved techniques of fruit preservation. With an investment of Rs6 million and under-qualified experts, DFP started working in 2000. They have a small processing plant in Danyore Gilgit, with six machines, 10 full time employs and 100 seasonal workers (mostly women). Initially they exported five tons of apricot to the UK. This year, they are hoping to export 75 tons. According to official, demands are rapidly increasing and now the business should be in the hands of businessmen instead of the NGO people.

“Due to the lack of skill and unflavoured climate, fruit worth millions is being destroyed in the region,” Sher Ghazi, manager DFP told Dawn by telephone from Gilgit. “Today the total production of apricot in Gilgit-Baltistan is 4442 tons. The average price of a kilo of apricot is Rs21.25 while the total consumption is worth Rs91,845,000,” he concludes.

“Our aim is not money-making but to guide the poor how to utilize their available resources properly and increase their income to change the old lifestyle.” Noor Khan, a young MBA and Enterprise Development Officer of the AKRSP said in Islamabad.

“We have shown a way to the private sector — if it invests money in the dry-fruit business it can venture into new global markets and get full benefit of it,” he adds.

No doubt! From the mountainous Karakorum region to the Arabian Sea, Pakistan is full of natural resources. Unfortunately, most of them are either yet undiscovered or the authorities are not aware of their importance. In the agriculture sector, apricot is just one example. If modern technology and marketing methods are applied the ‘apricot economy’ can play a vital rule in the development of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is a haven for apricot and many other world-class mountain fruits. If the government patronises the local farmers then Pakistan can achieve a great market in China, Central Asian, Europe and America.

According to Fazal Rabani, vice-chairman of the Sost Dry Port, Gilgit, the present government taken a keen interest in the development of Gilgit-Baltistan. “Their initiatives can bring this strategically important area out of abject poverty and political dilemma,” he said.

“The agricultural resources of the region really needs the thoughtfulness of the government.” Mr Rabani is of the opinon that if the government patronises the farmers and gives incentives to the investors to invest in the fruit industry. This will help to start an industrial revolution in the deprived region.

Murad Shah, a tourist guide says, “Gilgit-Baltistan has half of the natural resources of Pakistan but still is the only area in Pakistan where literally not a single industry exists.”

It is estimated that 80 per cent of Gilgit-Baltistan’s population is living below the poverty line. Thus the production and proper marketing of apricot and other mountain fruits can improve the lifestyle of the poor and can bring a smart amount of money to the national treasure.

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