Union of Small and Medium Enterprises invites attention of Ministry of Commerce that farmers have achieved a target of growing 1.2 million tons of chickpeas and there is a surplus of about 0.5 million tons which may be allowed to export

Islamabad, April 29, 2013 (PPI-OT): The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited the attention of the Ministry of Commerce (MINCOM) that the SME farmers have this year achieved a target of growing 1.2 million tons of chickpeas and there is a surplus of about 0.5 million tons which may be allowed for export to enable the growers get a reasonable price and not discourage them from growing chickpeas due to absence of support price.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver pointed out that for the last two years Pakistani importers were importing chickpeas from Australia and Ethopia but this time there is no need to import and if the SME farmers are given a fair price they will grow more of chickpeas and there will be no need for imports in future provided the growers are given a fair price for growing chickpeas.

He said while the international price is around US Dollars 575 per metric tons, our farmers are not getting a reasonable price and are fetching only Rs 43 per kilogram locally and are being deprived. If limited exports are allowed the farmers will get a better price from the exporters who will be able to compete in the international market.

Pakistan imports various types of pulses from Australia, Canada, Ethopia and few other countries where there is surplus. If the cultivation of pulses is promoted just like wheat, rice, maize the country will have sufficient crop of pulses and huge amount of foreign exchange can be saved. For this the irrigation departments will have to ensure sufficient amount of water in case of deficient rain fall.

Some growers were however of the opinion that the government authorities should procure the chickpeas at the international rate and keep reserve for any future shortfall whereas others were of the opinion that exports be allowed at minimum export price fixed by the government and just like in the past export regulatory duty be imposed on the exports to ensure only limited exports.

For more information, Contact:
Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME)
75/1 3rd Commercial Street,
Phase IV, D.H.A., Karachi, Pakistan
Phones: + 92 35884225 and 6
Cell: + 92 300 8245307 and + 92 321 8245307
Fax: + 92 35380642
Email: unisame@gmail.com