{
  "id": 8237644,
  "title": "Chilli Farmers Set to Improve Export Quality",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/chilli-farmers-set-to-improve-export-quality",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T10:52:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/18/chilli-farmers-set-to-improve-export-quality/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chili farmers in Sindh will soon enjoy enhanced methods for cultivating and exporting their red chillies, thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by the Food Security and Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE). The program, a collaboration with Verdora Ventures, involves the distribution of geotextile drying sheets to farmers in Kunri, Sindh. These sheets offer an alternative to the traditional practice of drying chillies on the open soil. By keeping the crop off the ground, the sheets facilitate faster, more uniform drying, control aflatoxin, and minimize dirt and contamination. This leads to an improvement in the grade, color, and fineness of the chillies.\n\nThe initiative addresses a pressing need as FMCG companies find it challenging to source high-quality local red chillies, often relying on imports of better-quality chillies for their export-bound products. Muhammad Ahmad, Head of Partnerships at FACE, emphasized during the distribution event in Kunri that \"food safety and quality are the foundation of market access.\" He added that the cleaner drying practices and better control of aflatoxin could safeguard farmers' crops and open up new market opportunities.\n\nCommenting on the initiative, Syed M. Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures, highlighted that contaminated or poorly dried chillies had previously restricted farmers' access to better prices and markets. He expressed optimism about how cleaner drying surfaces could elevate product quality, broaden market access, and generate new export opportunities, all while bolstering the livelihoods of farming families.",
  "summary": "Chilli farmers in Sindh are set to benefit from a new initiative to improve the quality and safety of locally … Read More The post Chilli Farmers Set to Improve Export Quality appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}