Modern techniques can prevent wastage of agricultural produces: FPCCI

LAHORE: Pakistan can save billions of rupees by preventing wastage of agricultural produces annually through adoption of modern preservation techniques particularly dehydration technology.

Convener of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, stated this in a meeting with a delegation of progressive farmers led by Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal Gujjar, here on Sunday.

The Convener said, modern technology can play a key role in enhancing value-addition extending shelf life and creating new market opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the urgent need to minimise crops losses in the agriculture sector pointing out that a significant quantity of vegetables and fruit like tomato, peas, mango, onion, strawberry, banana and citrus were being wasted ranging from 20 to 40 percent every year due to their perishable nature.

He said it’s matter of great concern that county is wasting major chunks of agricultural produce which can be converted into value addition by adopting modern technology meeting international standards and earning foreign exchange.

On this occasion, Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal underscored the importance of strengthening the domestic supply chain of agricultural goods to reduce their wastage. APP