Govt takes steps to promote horticulture industry: Bosan
City Reporter

ISLAMABAD—The Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Sikandar Hayat Bosan says the government is cognizant and taking a number of steps to promote and develop the horticulture industry of the country, which occupies a significant place in the agriculture sector.
Speaking at a two-day consultative workshop on Role of R & D institutions in Horticulture here on Tuesday, he said the government has reduced tariffs on import of horticulture related machinery, equipment, seeds and planting materials for increasing the production of fruits and vegetables. He said Free trade agreements, early harvest programmes, infrastructure and human resource development will also contribute to the development of horticulture sector.
He said at present Pakistan is earning one hundred and forty million dollars through the export of fruits and vegetables and the steps being taken by the government will help push up both the production and exports of fruits and vegetables. He urged the participants of the seminar to put forward practical recommendations during their two day deliberations for the overall improvement of horticulture industry.
Eminent scientists and professionals from the agriculture research institutes, universities, service industry and representatives of trade organizations are participating in the workshop.