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PESHAWAR, Oct 23 (APP):The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Thursday stressed the need for international certification, modern technology, and standardized seeds to enhance agricultural productivity and boost horticulture exports from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking at a session on “Strengthening Pakistan’s Horticulture Sector: Support for Global GAP, HACCP, and ISO 22000 Certifications,” organized jointly by SCCI and the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), SCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Nadeem said that certification and compliance with global standards are vital to make Pakistan’s products competitive in international markets.
He noted that KP’s climate and fertile valleys offer vast opportunities for fruit and vegetable production, including Swat peaches, Malakand persimmons, Chitral pomegranates, Peshawar pears and plums, and DI Khan dates, which could significantly contribute to exports if properly developed.
Muhammad Nadeem urged the government to provide advanced technology, testing facilities, and incentives to farmers, emphasizing that the horticulture sector plays a key role in strengthening local industries, generating employment, and promoting value addition.
He thanked PHDEC for collaborating with SCCI and called for more awareness sessions to promote certification and international competitiveness in the province’s agriculture and horticulture sectors.