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Many smallholder farmers are reliant on the crops they can grow and trade at market. The money they get supports whole communities and can be the driver for development across whole regions. Because of this, CABI works with smallholder farmers, traders, exporters and others so that they can compete in both local and global markets and seek a fair price for the work that they do.
We not only help farmers grow their crops and increase their yields in a sustainable way, we also help link them to markets and equip them with entrepreneurial skills. We also help them comply with international standards, ensuring that they get a good price for their produce on the export market.
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The commodities that we focus on in South Asia include exportable fruits and vegetables such as citrus, mango, date palms, onions and tomatoes, and crops including wheat, cotton, maize and sugarcane.
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Cotton value chain analysis
The production and trade of cotton is vital to Pakistan's economy, but the country is losing US$350 million a year due to inefficient production. Poor seed quality, use of mixed seed grades and varieties and improper picking methods all contribute, as does the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides by the farmers due to a lack of knowledge. CABI is looking at the entire industry from seed to cloth to identify needs and improve the efficiency of the system. More >>
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Banana production in Sindh
Bananas are a key commodity crop in parts of Pakistan, especially in Sindh where the majority of smallholder farmers rely on banana production for their livelihoods. However, outdated farming techniques and a lack of knowledge about pests and diseases is proving costly, as yields are only 75% of what they could be. CABI is carrying out a full review of the industry to identify what can be improved and how. More >>
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