ISLAMABAD: The Exports of meat and fish as well as their preparations witnessed positive growth of 13.88 percent and 12.12 percent during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year (2011-12) as against the same period of last year.

Similarly, exports of fruits during the period under review increased by 15.25 percent as compared to the same period of last year, according to official data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Exports of meat and meat preparations increased from $108.542 million during July-March (2010-11) to $123.606 million during July- March (2011-12), showing growth of 13.88 percent.

In terms of quantity, the meat exports increased by 2.28 percent by going up from 37,829 metric tons to 38,691 metric tons.

On the other hand, the exports of fish and fish preparations grew from $198.698 million to $222.788 million, showing increase of 12.12 percent.

However, in terms of quantity, the seafood exports decreased by 3.18 percent by falling from 87,272 metric tons to 84,498 metric tons, the data revealed.

The exports of fruits also surged by 15.25 percent during the first three quarters, from $239.222 million to $275.712 million.

On month-on-month basis, the exports of meat during March 2012 increased by 4.12 percent as compared to the exports of February 2012, however decreased by 2.79 percent when compared to the exports of March 2011.

Similarly, exports of fish and fish preparations in March 2012 increased by 30.97 percent when compared to the exports of February 2012, however decreased by 3.24 percent when compared to the same month of last year.

Fruit exports during the month under review witnessed increase of 17.24 percent as compared to the exports of March 2011, however decreased by 43.39 percent against the exports of February 2012.

The overall food exports during July-March (2011-12) decreased by 5.06 percent as compared to the same period of last year.

Food exports were recorded at $2.976 billion this year against the exports of $3.135 billion last year.

The major commodities that witnessed decrease in exports included rice, vegetables, wheat and spices.

While the commodities that witnessed positive growth in exports included leguminous vegetables (Pulses), tobacco, oil, seeds, nuts and kernels, sugar, and all other food items.