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The agriculture sector has been the most affected by the damage caused by floods in Pakistan. In Sindh and Punjab, the production of fruits and vegetables has been greatly affected due to the inundation of the areas.
According to experts, the supply of various vegetables in vegetable markets across the country has been affected by up to 75%. Experts have expressed fear of a food crisis in the country due to floods. In such a situation, the government has suggested importing onions and tomatoes from India.
Who suggested importing tomatoes and onions from India?
The proposal to import tomatoes and onions from India was made in a meeting of the Federal Ministry of Commerce, in which the recent rains affected the production of vegetables and the shortage situation in the market.
In the meeting, Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Importers Exporters Merchants Association immediately allowed the import of onions and tomatoes from India for a period of three months in addition to exemption of duties and taxes for market stability.
He said that the potato crop has already reached the warehouses, so there is no need to import it, while there is no need to import other vegetables such as brinjal, zucchini, okra, etc. because they are perishable. On the other hand, their production in Pakistan has been affected but not ended, while on the contrary, the whole crop of onion and tomato has been affected.
Indian Prime Minister’s message
In recent days, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the families of the people who died in the flood in Pakistan and said that it is sad to see the disaster caused by the flood in Pakistan.
In his message, he said that he sympathizes with the families of the victims, the injured, and those affected by natural calamities. The Indian prime minister expressed hope that normal life and rehabilitation will begin soon.
Opinion of the Department of Agriculture
Experts from the agriculture department say that considering the ground realities if the government does this, it will be the right decision for the time being, but this decision should not be long-term. They believe that if this decision becomes long-term, it will not be good for the farmers of Pakistan.
According to experts, this decision will benefit Pakistan temporarily. Prices of vegetables will come down by at least 50 percent. But if this is a long-term policy, the landlord and farmers of Pakistan will be affected. He will not receive the right price for his commodity. The bad effect of this will be felt on the agriculture of Pakistan.
Will importing onions and tomatoes reduce prices?
The reason for the increase in the prices of tomatoes and onions in Pakistan is due to their affected production due to floods, due to which their prices have increased.
Experts say that this decision of the government is correct as it will help to reduce the prices of vegetables.
