LARKANA, Aug 21 Speakers at a seminar here on Friday urged the government to encourage agricultural-based industry and evolve a strategy to establish guava juice industry in Larkana.

Held under the auspices of Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, the speakers stressed the need for undertaking cluster study involving all stake holders so as to save 40 per cent of the guava production which is wasted during summer season.

They regretted that the previous governments had failed to establish industry based on value added by-products of fruits in Larkana adding that the district produced 90 per cent of total production of country's guava.

They regretted that almost 40 per cent of guava production during summer is damaged due to non-availability of cold storage facility.

With the establishment of cold storage and guava-based industry, not only its production could be saved from damages but it would also help in opening up new employment opportunities for the locals, they added.

They criticised previous governments for their lukewarm attitude towards tapping the resources and ignoring the vital agriculture sector.

They said that President Asif Ali Zardari had convinced the Engro Pakistan for setting up a guava juice plant in Larkana and a survey had already been conducted in this regard.

Abdul Razzak Soomro, former Ambassador to UAE, presided over the seminar in which Comrade Sobho Gianchandani was the guest of honour.