Initiative launched to help chili farmers achieve export quality standards

Karachi: The Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE) has initiated a project to enhance the quality of red chilies grown locally, aiming to meet the necessary export standards. To achieve this, FACE, in collaboration with Verdora Ventures, has distributed geotextile drying sheets to chili farmers. These sheets provide a clean, designated surface for drying chilies, which leads to cleaner, safer, and better-graded produce.

This improvement in quality can potentially increase farmers' incomes and bolster food security throughout the supply chain. The geotextile sheets also aid in faster and more even drying, controlling aflatoxin, minimizing dirt and contamination, and reducing post-harvest losses. These factors contribute to improving the grade, color, and fineness of the chilies, thereby expanding the market and export opportunities for the growers.

The distribution event took place in Kunri, Sindh, and was attended by senior leaders from FACE and partners such as Muhammad Ahmad, Head of Partnerships at FACE, Tahir Naeem from Sona Agri Hub, and representatives from Verdora Ventures. Ahmad, FACE's Head of Partnerships, emphasized the importance of food safety and quality as the basis for market access.

He highlighted that by assisting farmers in drying chilies cleanly and managing aflatoxin, they are safeguarding the crops and opening additional opportunities. Ahmad expressed satisfaction in distributing the sheets and working alongside Verdora Ventures in support of farming communities. S. M. Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures, thanked FACE for their efforts and support in bringing this initiative to fruition.

He acknowledged that aflatoxin and contamination have long been barriers for growers to achieve the prices and market access they deserve. He added that a cleaner drying surface is a simple change that can lead to better quality, wider market access, new export opportunities, and ultimately, improved livelihoods for the farming families at the core of their value chain.