Agri-Support Fund (ASF) with the technical assistance of Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, initiated a six-day training programme in drying and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. The training programme started in the Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, was attended by 29 people from across the country.
The purpose of the training programme was to create awareness amongst the participants regarding the preservation of fruits and vegetables and prevent them from being wasted. Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Liaison Officer, ASF, Saeed Iqbal said that the fund is not only holding training programmes regarding horticulture and livestock, but also providing 50 percent financial assistance in the form of grant for research and development in horticulture and livestock sectors.
Saeed Iqbal was hopeful that the participants of the training programme would utilise the experience received in the training in their practical life. The Director General, Agricultural Research Institute, Dr Fatehullah, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that a huge quantity of fruits and vegetables are wasted.
The training, he said, will help provide training and create awareness among the participants for minimising the wastage of fruits and vegetables. He said that the losses occurred due to moisture, saying the minimising of the moisture could prolong the life of the perishable fruits and vegetables. The demand of such agricultural products, he said, remained less as compared to their supply to market.
He said that government interested in provision of maximum profits to the growers. The training in this connection, he said, was aimed at creating awareness amongst the people. The participation of the people in the training, he would go long way in benefit of both the growers and the country. Dr Fatehullah said that the large quantity of moisture also caused diseases in the fruits and vegetables.