Initiative launched to help chili farmers achieve export quality standards

The Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence, known as FACE, has begun an effort to lift the quality of red chilies grown in Pakistan so they meet export requirements, according to Business Recorder. The programme involves handing out geotextile drying sheets to growers, with the aim of improving safety and quality and opening wider markets abroad. The initiative is being run jointly with Verdora Ventures.

The sheets were given out in Kunri, Sindh, at an event attended by FACE leaders and partners. Muhammad Ahmad, FACE's Head of Partnerships, was the chief guest, while Tahir Naeem of Sona Agri Hub and representatives of Verdora Ventures also took part. Replacing open-soil drying with a clean surface is intended to help crops dry faster and more evenly, reduce aflatoxin and dirt, and cut post-harvest losses.

Muhammad Ahmad said food safety and quality form the basis of market access. Syed M Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures, thanked FACE and said aflatoxin and contamination have long restricted growers' access to prices and markets. He added that a cleaner drying surface could improve quality, widen market access and create export opportunities for farming families.