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LAHORE, Jan 11 (APP):The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) presented a set of proposals to the government for strengthening agricultural production and boosting agro-based exports.
PBF Chief Oraniser Ahmad Jawad told media here Sunday that in view of the repeated floods, climate shocks, and financial stress faced by farmers and exporters, the PBF strongly recommends that the normal tax regime imposed through Finance Bill 2024 be postponed for at least two years. During this interim period, the earlier system of one percent tax on export remittances should be restored as a full and final tax to provide certainty, liquidity, and relief to the export sector at a critical time.
PBF Chief Organiser urged the government to urgently operationalise Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) ensuring effective support to agricultural and horticultural exports.
The company should also be strengthened by appointing a new Board of Directors (BoD) comprising professionals with proven experience in agriculture policy, international trade, and export development so that it can function as a results-oriented body.
He also stresses the need to rationalise electricity tariffs for agricultural tube-wells, as the current cost structure has significantly increased input costs, reduced farm profitability, and discouraged productivity. Affordable energy for irrigation is essential if Pakistan is to increase per-acre yields and sustain export-oriented agriculture.
To improve productivity and crop quality, Jawad urges Federal Seed Authority to immediately expedite the approval of new seed varieties which have already been submitted and are pending clearance. Delays in seed approvals are directly limiting innovation, yield improvement, and Pakistan’s ability to meet international quality standards.
For the promotion of kinnow and mango exports, PBF recommends allowing exports to the Iranian market or through barter arrangements. Trade should be permitted in Pakistani rupees, and a formal mechanism should be established in coordination with the Iranian Ministry of Commerce to streamline payments, logistics, and market access. Similarly special arrangements may be made to tap central Asian states through NLC reefer logistics on competitive cargo’s for enhancement of Mango and kinnow volumes.
PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad highlighted that the Potohar region of Punjab, particularly Chakwal, has witnessed substantial growth in olive cultivation, yet Pakistan lacks adequate olive oil extraction infrastructure and is still not a member of the International Olive Council. The government should facilitate the installation of at least two modern olive extraction plants in Chakwal on a public-private partnership basis to support value addition, reduce wastage, and promote olive oil exports.
Potato exports represent another significant opportunity, and PBF recommends establishment of a dedicated export mechanism for Central Asian states and Russian Federation. A predictable and structured export framework will encourage farmers to expand potato cultivation on a yearly basis and stabilize prices through assured export demand.
To address rising input costs, he urges the government to enforce fertilizer manufacturers to explore local production of DAP or introduce viable alternative nutrient solutions that can overcome DAP deficiencies. Reducing dependence on imported DAP is critical to lowering prices and ensuring timely availability for
farmers.
He emphasized that overall cost of doing business in the agriculture sector must be revisited seriously if export targets are to be achieved. Farmers need access to basic competitive tools such as affordable inputs, energy, logistics, finance, and technology.