Pakistan is losing out on potentially lucrative export revenues from its strawberry production due to government intransigence and red tape, reports Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune.
A former Pakistani produce industry spokesman told the paper that Pakistan's strawberry production has increased by over 300 per cent in the last five years, but producers still cannot export the fruit because the government is refusing to invest time and money in the sector.
Waheed Ahmed, past chairman of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association, said the government is aware of growers' progress in producing 'new' products, such as strawberries, but is ignoring all possible expansion into new ventures, choosing to focus its efforts on traditional fruits instead.
"Though strawberries are doing so well all over the world, we do not have a feasibility report on our potential yet," Mr Ahmed said. "Not only strawberries, there are many other local fruits and vegetables that can be number one in the world, and we do not even have basic rules such as the minimum export price for these products."
A Pakistan Trade Development Authority official told the paper that many businessmen approach the government organisation with agricultural investment ideas and new market proposals, but are discouraged either by a lack of government cooperation or lengthy government rules.
Businessmen in Pakistan are especially keen to expand the agricultural market of Pakistan to western countries, the official said.
Per acre income from strawberry production is estimated at Rs100,000 per season, according to Ahmad Jawad, CEO of exporter Harvest Trading.
The growth in Pakistan's strawberry production has made the fruit accessible to the broader domestic population, he said.
Pakistan's strawberry production has shifted from the northwest provinces - now Taliban strongholds - to Punjab and Sindh provinces.
The season runs from February to May, and varieties grown in Pakistan include Chandelier, Corona and Stuff, Mr Jawad is quoted as saying.
Quality, volumes and shelf-life are the main issues that need to be overcome before fruit could be exported to Europe, the US and the Middle East, Mr Jawad said.
