MULTAN (APP): Mango trees should be given the status of a national tree and steps should be taken to increase the export of mangoes as it will not only help earn foreign exchange but also improve the standard of living of the peasants.
This was recommended by various speakers including Chairman Seraikistan Council Zahoor Dharaija, Malik Allah Nawaz Wanis, Saleem Darbari, Aamir Shehzad and many others at a mango seminar here.
Seraikistan Council Chairman Zahoor Dharaija complained that mango orchards are constantly being ignored.
The government should promote mango orchards at the national level.
He said that an agriculture-based free industrial zone should also be established in the Seraiki area so that growers can find great opportunities to earn bread and butter.
Malik Allah Nawaz Wanis, another speaker, noted that the area used to produce more than 70 percent of the country’s mangoes. Multan is popular globally for its exotic mangoes.
He said that juice factories should be established in the region.
He also expressed concern about the massive felling of mature mango trees.
However, he praised the culture of the region as the region is considered a hub of talent.
Aamir Shehzad Siddique also spoke and said that mango orchards have been removed from more than 15,000 acres in the region. The felling of mango trees also has a negative impact on the ecology of the region.
The speakers also demanded that the government should provide maximum facilities to increase mango exports.
