Pakistan is facing a loss of over $200 million annually owing to fruit fly attacks on the fields causing a decline in the export of fruit and vegetables, disclosed agricultural experts.

The seminar in connection with fruit fly management week, was arranged by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, in collaboration with the district government on the directive of the Punjab government.

Presiding over a seminar, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqbal Zafar said modern practices should be promoted and practiced in the fields to fight the attacks of different insects. He said that if the fruit fly issue was not addressed at the national level, it would not only dent the agricultural exports but also cause a reduction in the production.

He lauded the steps being taken on the part of Punjab government for the uplift of the sector and to promote the modern techniques and practices. He said plant protection measures helped increase per hectare yield by protecting crops from diseases and controlling the pests.

He said, "We have to educate the farming community to tackle the situation that will jack up their income and reduce the poverty." He stressed the need to effectively eradicate the pest and to institute an awareness campaign.