In a major effort to elevate export quality and protect local yields, the Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE), in partnership with Verdora Ventures, has begun distributing specialized geotextile drying sheets to chilli farmers across Kunri—Pakistan’s premier chilli-growing hub.
The initiative aims to modernise traditional post-harvest handling by replacing raw open-soil drying with clean, purpose-built surface materials. This shift directly targets the root causes of crop degradation, helping growers produce safer, higher-graded produce while unlocking lucrative international trade avenues.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Contamination Control: Traditional soil drying leaves crops vulnerable to dirt, debris, and fungal spores. The non-reactive geotextile barrier prevents contact with the ground, significantly reducing foreign matter and microbial hazards.
- Aflatoxin Mitigation: Rapid and uniform moisture evaporation managed on the sheets controls the growth of Aspergillus mold, dramatically lowering harmful aflatoxin contamination—a primary hurdle for entering strict European and high-value global markets.
- Superior Quality & Finish: By encouraging even airflow and uniform drying, the sheets preserve the vibrant red color, natural oil fineness, and physical integrity of the peppers while reducing post-harvest volume losses.
- Economic Impact: Improved quality grading commands higher prices in domestic wholesale markets and opens direct export channels, directly raising farmer incomes and fortifying resilience across the agricultural supply chain.
