PBIF proposes high-tech lab for citrus certification

In order to get better prices of locally-produced citrus, there is a dire need of establishing a high-tech lab that can certify the local producers, vis-à-vis health and environment. President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain, expressed these views talking to the business community. He further said the agriculture products of Sargodha include wheat, rice, sugarcane, citrus, mango and guava which are traded across the country.
"Pakistan produces 10 percent of the global citrus production, major portion of which is contributed by Sargodha," he said, adding that the citrus would not only reach expensive international markets which would increase the foreign exchequer of the country, but would also help increase Pakistan's share in global citrus market.
Mian Zahid said that establishment of export processing zone was also very important where cold stores, marketing and market information should also remain available to help increase that city's export. "Sargodha is one of the most developed cities of Pakistan, where growth opportunities are available for all sectors including agriculture and industry," he said, adding that Sargodha has good economic conditions because of its location within the national corridor.
He said that in view of general localized requirements of Sargodha district, particularly Sargodha city, there exists good scope for detergent powder, ready-made garments, wooden furniture, electrical accessories, PVC pipes, steel furniture and fibreglass water tanks etc., alongside high potential of growth and investment in the city.
"Bhalwal Industrial Estate spans over 450 acres and is located in the best citrus producing area of the world," he said, citing that the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) established a small industrial estate unit in Sargodha that comprised of about 52 acres land. He said that an mount of Rs 8.455 million was allocated in 2009-10 for establishment of the Centre for Development of Wood Craft Traditional/ Contemporary.
PBIF president said that a summary had been worked out to connect Sargodha with CPEC through a link-road. He said that the project for construction of a link road is under the district government's consideration that is aimed at connecting Sargodha with CPEC that would further enhance the economic and industrial development of the city.