Quetta:Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with Department of Agricultural Extension, Jaffarabad organized a successful seminar on post-harvest management of rice in Suhbatpur area of the district,
The Seminar aimed to address the major challenges faced in rice supply in which emphasis was laid on educating farmers on modern post-harvest practices to improve rice quality, reduce losses and promote Pakistan’s rice exports, said press release issued here on Wednesday.
Balochistan is a major province in terms of rice production, the total rice production in Balochistan during 2023-24 was 103,160 tonnes, highlighted in the meeting.
As compared to 524,750 tonnes in the previous year 2022-2023, this reduction in production was due to floods, the main production hub of the region is Jaffarabad, where 85,510 tonnes were produced.
The Seminar highlighted basmati rice grown in this region is particularly appreciated by exporters due to its low pesticide use and absence of aflatoxins.
Ri
ce is one of Pakistan’s most important export commodities, however, it faces several post-harvest challenges that can negatively impact quality, yield and profitability.
The seminar provided an opportunity to discuss solutions to these challenges and emphasized best practices for effectively managing the post-harvest process.
More than 102 participants from Suhbatpur and its surrounding districts attended the program including rice farmers, cultivators and agricultural extension officers.
The participants were welcomed by the Director General of Agro and Food Division of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
The seminar concluded with a speech by the District Chairman and Assistant Commissioner, Suhbatpur who appreciated the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Department of Agricultural Extension for organizing this important event
He said that the seminar would play a significant role in educating farmers about post-harvest practices which would help improve rice quality
and boost Pakistan’s rice exports.
He urged farmers to adopt the practices discussed in the seminar to maximize profits and minimize post-harvest losses.