ISLAMABAD: The Competi-tiveness Support Fund (CSF), in collaboration with the Sindh Government has introduced an interesting innovation in the cultivation of strawberries in the country. 

 

The CSF has imported two new varieties of saplings i.e. ‘Sweet Charlie’ and ‘Festival’. These have been imported for the first time from the United States and have already been planted in district Khairpur in Sindh. Neither of the two variety have been grown in the country before.

 

The saplings had been planted over an area of one acre and it was expected to bear fruit from late January to March next year. If successful, the initial project is likely to generate huge interest and potential for export of the fruit in the years to come.

 

“There are a number of countries, including some in the Gulf, Central Asia and Russia, which imported strawberries in the winter months. However, Pakistan would be able to target these markets with fresh fruit if the current project is successful,” said Arthur Bayhan, Chief Executive Officer of the CSF here on Wednesday.