By. Fatima Javed
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the significant postharvest losses of wheat, rice, and maize in Pakistan, Descon (under its Agri Business Line) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have officially signed a MOU.
This strategic alliance aims to address the yearly postharvest losses of essential grains in Pakistan, amounting to around USD 2 billion. These losses contribute to food insecurity, affecting 36.8% of the population.
According to Descon’s official notification earlier this month, the collaboration underscores a commitment to an inclusive approach, leveraging private sector initiatives to positively impact Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
“By addressing the root causes both organizations aim to create sustainable solutions for long-term food security in the country.Beyond mere infrastructure enhancement lies our shared commitment to fortifying food security and nurturing the local farming communities,” the statement added.
Faisal Dawood Vice Chairman of Descon said that we are excited about the potential impact of this collaboration. By modernizing infrastructure and optimizing supply chain processes, we believe we can make a substantial difference in reducing postharvest losses and enhancing the quality of staple grains for the people of Pakistan.
As per the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan faces post-harvest losses worth $1.3 billion annually, which is four times greater than the combined federal and Punjab agriculture budget. In Pakistan, post-harvest losses of essential grains such as wheat, rice, and maize have significant implications for food security and economic stability.
For Instance, In Pakistan, rice ranks as the third-largest crop in terms of area, after wheat and cotton.The average rice yield in Pakistan is comparatively lower than in countries like China, the USA, India, and Vietnam.Quality issues arise due to defective harvesting methods and outdated processing technology.Efforts are needed to enhance rice yield, improve processing techniques, and regulate trade.
Similarly, post-harvest losses in wheat are estimated to be around 10% in Pakistan.Factors contributing to these losses include insects and mites.Introducing in-bin drying and storage at the farm level can help mitigate these losses.
Therefore, collaborative efforts between organizations like the IFC and Descon aim to reduce annual post-harvest grain losses. Efficient post-harvest management, modern processing techniques, and quality control measures are crucial to minimizing losses and ensuring food security for Pakistan’s population.
