Balochistan’s agricultural potential: TDAP to organise agri exhibition

ISLAMABAD: Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Shahryar Khan Tuesday announced that an agricultural exhibition will be organized in Balochistan in August or September to create awareness about fruits and vegetables grown in the province.

He said that value addition of Balochistan’s olives, apples, onions, tomatoes and other agricultural produce will be carried out, while required certification and food safety standards will be ensured to facilitate their access to European and Central Asian markets.

He expressed these views while addressing a session with office-bearers and members of the Quetta Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday. Shahryar Khan stated that meetings are ongoing with the Governor of Balochistan, the Provincial Secretary Agriculture and other relevant officials in this regard. He added that agricultural exhibitions held in Karachi have already generated export demand worth 52 million dollars.

Speaking on the occasion, President Quetta Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haji Muhammad AyubMariani, Zamiandar Action Committee’s Muhammad Kazim Khan Achakzai, Syed Sadiq Ullah Agha and others highlighted the need for modern machinery for value addition of olives and other agricultural produce in Balochistan. They proposed installation of 30 machines in different districts of the province. The speakers also criticized the fruit and vegetable trade agreements with Afghanistan, terming them exploitative for Balochistan’s farmers, and stressed that all stakeholders must be consulted before finalizing such agreements.

They emphasized that timely measures are essential to promote olive and saffron cultivation, along with value addition of apples, onions, grapes and other fruits in the province.

On the occasion, TDAP Secretary Shahryar Khan along with Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) officials Hamza Nasir and Dr Jameel said that discussions have already been held with provincial governments on a three-year plan for value addition and certification of olives and other produce. They confirmed that the agricultural exhibition will be held at BUITEMS University in August or September to promote awareness of Balochistan’s agricultural potential.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025