Country losing US$200mn annually owing to fruit fly

FAISALABAD: The country is losing US$ 200 million annually owing to fruitfly which is a serious threat to export of fruits and vegetables.

This was revealed by agricultural experts while addressing a seminar arranged by Faculty of Agriculture University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with district government on the directive of the Punjab government in connection with fruit fly management week here on Saturday.

Presiding over a seminar, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar said that modern practices must be promoted to fight the attack of different insect on the field.

He said that if fruit fly issue was not addressed at national level, it would not only dent country's agricultural exports but also causes reduction in the production.

He lauded the steps being taken on the part of Punjab government for the uplift of the sector and to promote the modern techniques and practices.

He said that plant protection measures helped increase per acre yield.

"We have to educate the farming community to tackle the situation which will jack up their income and reduce the poverty", he added.

He stressed the need to commitment and ownership in effective eradication of pest and awareness campaign so that it could become a regular feature rather than making fire fighting.

Dean Faculty of Agriculture Dr Muhammad Amjad Aulakh said that fruit fly management was still a challenge.

He said that last year, Indian mangoes export to Europe was banned due to fruit fly whereas the warning was also issued to Pakistan.

He suggested creating the awareness about the fruit fly at school level across the province.

Chairman Department of Entomology Dr Jalal Arif, Director Institute of Horticulture Sciences Dr Amanullah, Deputy Director Plant Production Vehari Kashif Nadeem, Assistant Prof Entomology Department Dr Muhammad Dildar Gogi, Dr Waqas Wakeel and Dr Abid Ali also spoke on the occasion.