Improving Pakistan’s food value chains through certification and quality assurance
Despite sufficient availability of natural resources, in Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Pakistan, constraints are faced throughout the value chain. Growth opportunities provided by domestic and global agriculture markets can therefore not be met. The aim of this project is to help create stronger food value chains in Pakistan by introducing certification facilities, improved market linkages, and a move towards more innovative, technology-based agriculture that makes better use of the natural resources.
Establishing model farms in Pakistan
The Government of Punjab in Pakistan want to enhance its exports by 30%. However, the horticulture chain is facing difficulties exporting to international markets because produce is not meeting quality and safety standards. This project will establish model farms and build the capacity of those in the value chain, whilst building important linkages with local and international markets.
Promoting sustainable organic cotton production and supply in Pakistan
Certified organic cotton production contributes to less than 1% of global cotton cultivation. This is because access to organic cotton seed is so difficult. In Pakistan, the lack of policies, availability of non-Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) seed and weak links with input suppliers and supply chains makes organic cotton farming demotivating and uninteresting for famers. This project will create a conducive ecosystem for organic cotton and contribute to the long-term availability of non-GM cotton seed and organic inputs for farmers with a self-sustaining approach.
Aflatoxin control in Pakistan
Aflatoxins are a group of toxins produced by certain fungi – Aspergillus flavus – found in crops such as maize and groundnuts. These aflatoxins are toxic and can cause serious health problems for humans and livestock. They can also cause problems within the food chain because they contaminate crops, cause food safety, nutrition and security issues and consequently affect a country’s ability to trade. Biological control is one way of sustainably handling aflatoxins in crops. In this project, CABI is working with USDA to test and register a native biocontrol product for Pakistan.