Agricultural standards: Only 20 certified farms in Pakistan

FAISALABAD: There are only 20 Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified farms in Pakistan including 18 mango farms and two kinnow farms, stated Dr Rafiq-ur-Rehman, Chief Coordinator of Supply Chain Management Project. Speaking to a gathering of agricultural, livestock and poultry farmers at Toba Tek Singh on Monday, he said the produce of these farms is sold in international markets. He stressed the need for increasing the number of Global GAP certified farms so that international markets could be captured. Talking about financial assistance under this project, he said that 70% of the estimated cost will be provided to the stakeholders who will participate in the programme in the first year. In the second year, 50% of the cost will be provided while in the third year 30% of the cost will be provided.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th,  2011.