Food export increases by 33.53pc in two months

ISLAMABAD: The export of food commodities from the country during the first two months of current financial year registered an increase of 33.53 percent as against the export of same period last year.

During the period from July to August 2011, country earned US$ 670.4 million by exporting different food commodities which was recorded at US$ 501.9 million during the period from July to August 2010.

According to data released by the Federal Bureau of Statistic (FBS) fruit and vegetable export from the country during the first two months of current financial year grew by 60.46 percent and 80.87 percent respectively.

During the period from July to August 2011 about 86,675 metric tons fruits of different varieties worth US$ 43.8 million was exported from the country which was up by 60.46 percent as compared to same period of last year financial year.

Meanwhile, about 47,340 metric ton vegetables were exported during the period under review and added US$ 19.42 million in national foreign accounts reserves.

As compared the last year, fruit export from the country was recorded at 64,4495 metric tons and vegetable export 32,526 metric tons during the period from July to August 2011.

Meanwhile the export of leguminous vegetables (pulses) showed 100 percent increased as compared to the first two months of last financial year.

The data revealed that 900 metric tons pulses worth US$ one million was exported during the period under review.

Export of other food commodities including wheat also increased by 100 percent, while the export of spices and oil seed witnessed 100 percent and 462 percent increase respectively.

However, during the period under review the export of basmati rice decreased by 11.87 percent and other rice varieties decreased by 15.24 percent during the first two months of current financial year.