Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) Appraisal Committee has approved grants of Rs 18 million on a cost-sharing basis for Kinnow processors and exporters. The grants are being provided for the establishment of 12 Kinnow Produce Marketing Organisations (PMOs) in Bhalwal, Sarghoda district, says a press release.
PMOs, comprising leading processors and exporters and registered Kinnow growers, will use the grants to adopt protocols leading to Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group; Good Agricultural Practices (EUREPGAP) certification, which will facilitate export of Kinnow to European markets and enable exporters to realise premium prices.
The programme includes comprehensive training and facilitation of growers / farmers. The participation of farmers in the scheme will ensure sustained and improved produce quality and yields resulting in improved farm incomes.
The ASF Appraisal Committee also approved a number of other grants which include support to women entrepreneurs for the establishment of green house for vegetable seed production in Gilgit; support to agribusiness enterprises which were participating in Expo Pakistan; market access support to an enterprise for penetrating Omani market and support to a mango exporter in Sindh province to attain EUREPGAP and Organic certifications.-PR