Approval to order vegetables from two countries India decision with consultation

The federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved the import of tomatoes and onions from Iran and Afghanistan in view of the fear of a shortage of vegetables in the country due to floods and rains and to maintain a balance in prices.

The Commerce Ministry had sent the summary to the Federal Cabinet. The Cabinet approved the summary by circulation. Federal Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar says that the decision to import vegetables from India will be taken after consultation with all stakeholders.

In this regard, Federal Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar has told that the decision to import tomatoes and onions from India has not been taken. The market is under pressure due to the increase in the prices of vegetables. To stabilize prices, import from two countries has been allowed.

The Minister of Commerce said that the tax will be exempted for the import of tomatoes and onions. Tax exemption will be approved if the Cabinet meets

Earlier, in response to the questions asked by the members of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar said that the import of tomatoes, onions, and vegetables from India has been considered but the decision has not been taken. could not be It has been decided to import tomatoes and onions from Afghanistan and Iran. Import from Afghanistan and  Iran will also be through private companies. The government will play the role of facilitator in the import of vegetables.

Naveed Qamar said that "Syria is also an element of foreign policy in trade with India, so the decision will be taken after consultation with the stakeholders".

He also said that the agricultural sector has been affected by the flood, and food shortages may be faced. Crops are damaged and new crops cannot be grown due to water, so vegetable prices are increasing. He said that we only have potato reserves. Due to the flood situation, the Ministry of Food Security sent a proposal for the import of vegetables to the Ministry of Commerce.

According to officials of the Ministry of Food Security, due to the special trade arrangements with Iran and Afghanistan, there will be little impact on the foreign exchange and the prices of onion and tomato will decrease in the market. A proposal to remove levies and duties on the import of onion and tomato was also considered to reduce prices.

Officials say that due to floods and rains, onion and tomato crops have been badly affected and there will be a shortage of tomatoes and onions for the next three months. To deal with this situation, the Federal Ministry of Food Security suggested the government immediately import vegetables from neighboring countries including India.

According to the officials, it was suggested by the ministry that if the vegetable crisis is to be overcome in the country, then vegetables will have to be procured from neighboring countries. Neighboring countries from which vegetables can be ordered include India, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey.