Pakistan could face a fresh produce supply crisis in 10 years unless immediate steps are taken to increase crop yields, reports The News International.
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporter, Importer and Merchants Association (PFVA) co-chairman Waheed Ahmed told the paper that Pakistan's productivity was declining while the population was rising.
'Going forward, exports would decline if yields are not increased. We will become `a` fruits and vegetables importing country in the next 10 years,' he is quoted as saying.
Mr Ahmed added that imported apples would find their way into Pakistani markets within the next couple of months as a direct result of the country's falling yields.
There is no focus on research and development, he said. 'If you improve yields, the country can earn up to US$7bn in fruit and vegetable exports. However, currently we are not on the right track.'
