Sindh produces 80% of the total 144,000 metric tons production of chillies: Justice BaqarFirst Shipment of Chilies Exported from Pakistan to China commemorated.
Imran
Sindh produces 80% of the total 144,000
metric tons production of chillies: Justice BaqarFirst Shipment of Chilies
Exported from Pakistan to China commemorated.
KARACHI Caretaker Sindh Chief
Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar has said that Sindh is responsible for
contributing approximately 80 per cent of the total national production of
Chillies, which amounts to 144,000 metric tons.
This he said while speaking at the
ceremony of the First Shipment of Dried Chilies Exported from Pakistan to China
under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Agricultural Project.
The program was attended by Consul General of
China Mr Yang Mr Yundong, Mr Zheng Project Manager Sichuan Litong Food Co.,
Ltd. Federal Minister of Food Security & Research Kausar Abdullah Malik and
Chinese Ambassador Jian Zaidong recorded messages were shown on the screen.
The CM said that the Agriculture Department’s
Research Institute, Kunri has developed two new varieties (Kunri-I and
Nageena), which produced 25-30 per cent more yield than local varieties.
He added that Chillies produced in Kunri
were renowned for their colour and taste. “The establishment of dehydration and
processing facilities could help minimise aflatoxin growth and improve its
quality and demand in the international market, which contributes to earning
foreign exchange.
The CM said that Sindh was endowed with
fertile lands and a diverse climate, and it represented an abundant reservoir
of agricultural potential. “Our province, with its storied history in
agriculture, stands poised to leverage these resources for sustainable and
innovative practices,” he said and added that as we observed the noteworthy
achievements of Chinese Agri-products company, Sichuan Litong, we recognize the
transformative partnerships that could elevate our agricultural landscape and
bring tangible benefits to our farmers.Justice Baqar said that In Pakistan,
chillies were grown on more than 143,000 acres giving the production of 144,000
metric tons, approximately. “Sindh contributes about 80 per cent in national
production,” he disclosed and said that in Sindh, major chilli growing
districts were Umarkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Tando
Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Dadu, Shikarpur.
The potential for trade, cooperation,
and industry-level partnerships between China and Pakistan is vast.
The CM said and added that the
collaborative efforts serve as an exemplary model, demonstrating how such
partnerships could yield economic benefits, create employment opportunities,
and foster cross-cultural understanding.
He added that the prospect of deeper
cooperation holds the promise of a brighter future for both our nations.He
extended best wishes for the inaugural shipment of chillies from Pakistan to
China.
“This milestone transcends mere
commercial significance; it symbolizes the realisation of our collaborative
efforts,” he said and added that it may be the precursor of many more
successful ventures, opening new avenues for trade and fortifying the economic
ties between our two countries.
The CM lauded the collaborative efforts
of the Chinese Sichuan Litong Company, the Chinese Embassy and the instrumental
roles played by the Agriculture, Food Security Department, and the Department
of Plant Protection. He said that Sindh —a province characterized by its
rich history, cultural heritage, and untapped agricultural potential. He added
that the commemoration of export was a testament to the exemplary strides made
in fostering China-Pakistan friendship and advancing economic collaboration,
exemplified by the commendable achievements of both our diligent farmers and
the Sichuan Litong Company.Justice Baqar said that the enduring bond between
our nations, showcased through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative
and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, reflected a profound friendship that has
withstood the test of time.
He added that these frameworks were not
merely geopolitical constructs; rather, they symbolize the strength of the ties
that bind us. “The collaborative endeavours we witness today underscore the
depth of this friendship and a shared commitment to mutual prosperity,” he
said.
The Chinese company Sichuan Litong
announced the establishment of two chilli processing plants, one at Hyderabad
and the other at Faisalabad next year.
