The federal government in Pakistan has decided not to relax the conditions to import tomatoes from India as the shortage in Punjab and other parts worsens. However, efforts have begun to import it from Iran and Afghanistan instead of India.
A supply of 14 trucks of tomatoes from Kabul arrived in Lahore on Monday and 17 trucks will arrive today (Tuesday). Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan categorically denied the importation of tomatoes from India.
Indian vegetables exporters have been bringing ample supply of tomatoes to Amritsar in order to export them to Pakistan once the quarantine laws relax. Rajdeep Upal, an exporter from India, said almost 300 to 350 trucks of tomatoes were arriving in Amritsar which is much higher than the demand.
The vegetable traders were expecting the relaxation and when it happens everyone wants to cross the consignment quickly from the border, he said. ‘We have contacted our counterparts in Lahore about the expected resumption of trade of the perishables," he said, however, they informed us that the ministry concerned has decided not to allow imports of tomatoes from India which is discouraging for us, he added.
Source: thenews.com.pk
