Lahore, The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has outlined a strategy to boost the peach industry in Swat, with a focus on integrating tourism and technology to improve production and sales. The chamber's president, Moazzam Ghurki, discussed the plan during a think tank session held at the PCJCCI Secretariat on Tuesday.
According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghurki emphasized that while Swat has seen a surge in tourism, the development of its peach industry has lagged. He highlighted that only about 4 to 5 percent of the benefits from tourism were realized and called for government incentives to support farmers and establish processing facilities. The goal is to increase the impact of peach cultivation on the local economy.
Fang Yulong, Senior Vice President of PCJCCI, suggested that Swat could take inspiration from a small township in China's Xinjiang region, where the annual Peach Flower Festival attracts tourists who later return to buy peaches. The improved Swat Motorway has cut travel times significantly, offering new opportunities for connecting peach growers with larger markets in Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Hamza Khalid, Vice President of PCJCCI, noted that Chinese advancements in agricultural technology could further improve Swat's peach industry. He mentioned a sprinkler system developed by China that adjusts spray pressure As per different stages of peach growth, aiding resistance to infestations and enhancing the quality of peach blossoms. Khalid recommended that Pakistan collaborate with Chinese institutes to leverage these technologies.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI, outlined plans to build a platform for peach sales, combining peach production with e-commerce and rural tourism. The second phase of the Swat Motorway project, part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will further boost connectivity, allowing Swat peaches to reach more cities. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the peach industry, promote rural development, and increase farmers' incomes.