The Punjab government has decided to establish an Agri Marketing Training Institute where farmers and other stakeholders will be taught modern farming methods for high yields, storage and packaging of produce on international standards to ensure increased exports.
A sum of Rs 50 million has initially been allocated for the project. This was said by Punjab Agri Marketing Minister Qasim Noon at a meeting with farmers' representatives here on Saturday.
He said training in the use of latest technology and equipment was vital for our farming community to meet World Trade Organisation (WTO) requirements and compete in the world market with quality agri produce, according to a press release.
Quality packaging would not only ensure longevity to the produce, but also increase demand among customers, abroad, boost exports and help the country earn greater foreign exchange, he said. Farmers would also be provided courses to facilitate export of their produce, he added. The minister said that international experts would also be invited to the institute to familiarise local farmers on the latest agri trade trends in the world.