ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) has expressed serious concerns over the proposed formation of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA).

In a letter to the Ministry of Food Security on Saturday, PFVA Chairman Aslam Pakhali termed the move unnecessary and unwarranted, saying the new authority will further burden the horticulture sector instead of facilitating it.

PFVA, which claims to be the sole representative body of the horticulture sector, has raised strong objections to the proposed bill for NAFSA’s establishment.

He asserted that before forming a new authority, the government must thoroughly assess the shortcomings of the existing Department of Plant Protection (DPP).

Key association warns forming NAFSA will hamper exports

“Simply replacing an entity without addressing its failures does not guarantee success,” he added.

The association also expressed disappointment over the lack of stakeholder involvement in drafting the new regulations.

The PFVA........

© Dawn Business