Key Takeaways
- FACE distributed geotextile drying sheets to chili farmers.
- The initiative aims to reduce aflatoxin and contamination.
- Improved drying methods will enhance market access and incomes.
The Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE) has launched an initiative to improve the quality of local red chilies, aiming to meet export standards. This move is part of a joint effort with Verdora Ventures to enhance the safety and cleanliness of the country’s chili production.
FACE distributed geotextile drying sheets to chili farmers at Kunri, Sindh, to replace open-soil drying methods. These sheets are designed to keep the crop off the soil, allowing for faster and more even drying, which in turn helps in controlling aflatoxin, reducing dirt and contamination.
According to Muhammad Ahmad, Head of Partnerships at FACE, food safety and quality are crucial for market access. 'By helping farmers dry chili cleanly and control aflatoxin, we are protecting their crops and widening the opportunities open to them,' he stated.
The initiative also aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the grade, color, and fineness of the chili, ultimately helping farmers widen the market and export opportunities. Tahir Naeem, from Sona Agri Hub, and representatives of Verdora Ventures attended the event to support the initiative.
Syed M Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures, thanked FACE for their efforts. He highlighted that a cleaner drying surface is a simple change that can open real doors for better quality, wider market access, and new export opportunities. 'Ultimately, this will lead to better livelihoods for the farming families at the heart of our value chain,' he added.
The geotextile sheets are expected to significantly improve the quality of the chili, making it more suitable for export markets. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen food security and improve the incomes of local farmers.
FACE and Verdora Ventures are committed to working together to support the farming communities and ensure that the chili produced in Pakistan meets international standards. The initiative is seen as a step towards achieving these goals and enhancing the competitiveness of local chili in the global market.
By helping farmers dry chili cleanly and control aflatoxin, we are protecting their crops and widening the opportunities open to them.
Muhammad Ahmad, Head of Partnerships, FACE
A cleaner drying surface is a simple change that can open real doors, better quality, wider market access and new export opportunities and ultimately, better livelihoods for the farming families at the heart of our value chain.
Syed M Mahd, CEO, Verdora Ventures
