Illegal import of fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan, Iran and India is affecting the business of local farmers in Balochistan, local farmer associations have said.
Farmers have requested implementation of effective measures to counter cheaper food imports as well as smuggling of fruits and vegetables from neighbouring countries.
The issue was also raised in a Pakistani Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Wednesday by lawmakers from Balochistan.
Senator Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi told the committee that when crops in Balochistan are ready for harvest, borders are opened and influx of fruits and vegetables from India, Afghanistan results in nobody buying the local produce.
Senator Shahi also informed the committee that approximately 1.2 million tonnes of apples were produced annually in Balochistan against the total Pakistani requirement of 1m tonnes adding that Balochistan also produces 0.3 m tonnes of grapes, 0.5m tonnes of onions and 0.5m tonnes of dates every year.
He said that despite sufficient local production, foreign fruits and vegetables are being routinely smuggled into local markets.
He urged the committee chairman to send recommendation to the authorities concerned to ban import of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country.