Friday, September 11, 2009 9:19:57 AM
By Aly Sakhi
Mountain agri-produces have been exposed to the market but are not being integrated into it. The major problem to integrate the mountain economy into the national and international market is the ineffective value chain or gaps in the value chain of the agri-produce. The agri-experts can plan for a transition from meager exposure to systematic integration in to the market.
For systematic integration its imperative to bring some changes in the structure of mountain agri-production from basically subsistence mode to commercialized production system. This can not be left to the farmers or market force. It can be deliberately planned and organized with careful evaluation of the potentials for commercial production at different altitudes.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, AKRSP since 1983 has put a lot of efforts into horticulture, by offering the farmers of Northern Areas and Chitral number of development packages over the years. These include; new and improved fruit introduction, homogeneous horticulture practice, Commercial fruit production, and market linkages, establishment of model orchards and nurseries and capacity building programmes. It has supplied 1.27 million fruit trees since its inception and around 4 million agriculture specialists have been trained in the programme area (AKRSP’s annual report 2001).
Besides AKRSP’s interventions, a lot of provision to improve the sector, Provision of technical services required for such system, development of post harvest techniques, particularly in agricultural processing and market support system that provide increased opportunity in off farm employment and an aggressive marketing strategy backed by a realistic pricing system and well organized farmer-based institutions. AKRSP, with the financial support of Agribusiness Support Fund, Lahore ASF) has planed to establish Apex mountain community Enterprises in different geographic regions. Local Support Organizations, (LSO) can assist the farmers in the Production side by offering different training programmes, but in marketing side only self motivated and real entrepreneurs can make a difference by integrating the agri-produce in the wider market and get maximum return.
Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:59:31 AM
Green House Management Training: By Tota Jan
In district Gilgit and Ghizer agriculture is the main source of livelihood. It is famous for its vegetables and fruits because of its favorable climatic condition and rich soil. On the other hand because of dispersion of the area in single cropping zones most of the vegetables are being imported form down country i.e. Islamabad and Mansera in early and off season. To fulfill this production gap, the concept of green houses has been successfully launched. These green houses will be used for production of early seedling and off season fresh vegetables. This idea is the best alternative solution to cope the problems of single cropping zone. This new creativity in agriculture practices by using green houses will increase the farmer’s vegetable crop yields to make the harvest more productive and more profitable.
Many warm season vegetable crops can bring a higher price early in the growing season before large supplies are available. In order to encourage early and off season
Vegetable production and capture the profitable early And off season market, growers can use plastic tunnels. Recently, a few farmers have begun using plastic mulches in combination with tunnels to speed up the harvest date for some crops. However, plastic mulches by themselves, whether black or clear, provide little extra heat to advance the harvest date significantly. The tunnels promote early growth by warming the air surrounding the plants, using heat from the sun. The tunnels also protect plants from frost that can destroy or damage plants. Greater overall crop yields are obtained when the plants come into earlier production and continue to bear throughout the season. This combination of earliness and greater yields can significantly increase profits for the growers.
TRAINING CONTENTS
1. Importance of Green House.
2. Seed Bed Preparation and application of fertilizers
3. Method of sowing
4. Irrigation
5. Application of fungicides
6. Transplant of seedling
7. Hoeing and weeding
The high tunnels enhance productivity and profitability of producing vegetable crops. High tunnels are similar to low tunnel design and function, except that;
1. One high tunnel covers several rows,
2. The high tunnels are wide enough to allow crop growth to full maturity under the tunnels and
3. The tunnels are tall enough to allow spraying, cultivation and harvesting to occur with the tunnels intact.
Rolling up the sides and/or opening the end doors of the high tunnels provide both ventilation and access to the crop by pollinating insects.
The initial costs of materials and installation of high tunnels are considerably higher than traditional low tunnels. However, the economics of production with high tunnels may still be favorable if;
1. They increase yields,
2. They enhance earliness resulting in greater market access at a time when prices are at a premium,
3. The high tunnels are durable enough to be used for several seasons, thereby amortizing the costs of materials and installation over a greater length of time
Layout formation
Proper utilization of land is very important for maximum raising of transplants and that can help to minimize the damage of plants. Furthermore it help to manage the activities i.e. irrigation channel, foot path, easily use gricultural tools and get proper maximum light.
Seed Bed Preparation and Application of Fertilizers:
Nutrient regimes for transplant production sometimes differ greatly among the various crops grown and the type of irrigation employed. Other variables such as environmental conditions due to location of the transplant facility and seasonality dictate continued research for optimizing fertility and irrigation procedures for containerized vegetable transplant production. More recently, continued refinement of the floatation irrigation system offers growers the ability to better control diseases in the greenhouse and overall plant growth. The present overview rates much of the recent literature related to optimizing vegetable transplant nutrition.
Bed consists of variety of soil and bed is the mother of plant where plant takes food through toot hairs from the soil bed. Bed play important role in plant or nursery development and need to well prepared before planting of target crop. Nursery bed should be contain Ratio of 1:1:1 means silt:sand: Farmyard manure. During the bed preparation some quantity of Nitrophos fertilizer applied which help in initially early growth and early development of the transplants
Method of Seed Sowing:
There are tow types of common methods of sowing like broad coasting and line sowing. Mostly farmers of northern areas use traditionally method like broad coasting , In this method about 50% seed lose by through irrigation water and some will in gone in soil depth . The ideal method for nursery sowing is line sowing, in this method artificially keep space, soil depth and seed quantity.
.Transplants treatment
This is done before transplanting in the actual field, when transplant get two to three leaves and gain maximum size then will ready to shift in the field. When transplant get maximum size then can be shifted to field. Before transplanting the actual field should be well prepared like beds, ridges, fertilizer application and contain maximum soil moisture in the field .Transplanting shifting in early evening and not in the morning. Mostly crops like tomato, bell peppers, and onions suffer early after transplanting and even attack diseases like damping off, wilting cause by micro organism like fungi. These diseases can be controlled when treated at the time of transplanting with fungicides like redomil and score.
Cultural practices
Practices like weeding, hoeing, watering can be done at the best time .Its help to get maximum growth of plants of target crops.
1. It help early growth
2. Low chance of disease
3. Maintain health transplants
Monday, August 10, 2009 9:51:22 AM
I got an opportunity to visit Hunza-Nagar, Gojal, and Astore Valleys, with the team of Socio-economic Survey of Northern Areas and Chitral (SESNAC) as an enumerator. During the Survey, we have visited 22 villages in Gilgit Region and 12 villages in Astore valley.
We remained al-most two months in the field, this provided us an opportunity to observe and understand many development related issues.
Since my association with Agribusiness interventions of AKRSP from 2007, the observations and interpretations recorded in this short report are regarding farm related activities and prospective of agribusiness in the area.
The survey questionnaires were comparatively lengthy however; information regarding social and economic conditions has been covered in it. More specifically, I got clear idea regarding farm activities and Natural Resource Management (NRM) by asking and probing from various households.
Farming systems and agribusiness include irrigation, high pastures and earning income from the livestock, vegetables production and marketing, forest management and fuel wood. Inputs and outputs from men and women as both are critical partners in managing the system in Northern Areas of Pakistan. It has been observed during the survey that men and women’s farm contributions within this system differ regionally, socially and economically.
LAND
In Hunza-Nagar similar to other parts of NAs, all cultivation is a result of irrigation. An average household cultivatable land holding is 3-30 kanal in Hunza-Nagar and its usually located more than one location, similarly when we move to the upper valley towards upper Hunza (Gojal), an average household’s landholdings increases 10-50 kanals.
Despites of the increasing off farm activities the amount of land a households owns still considered an indicator for wealth.
AKRSP has helped the community to construct many irrigation channels across the region, making the barren land cultivable, and has provided improved variety of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and fodder.
In Astore Valley, Nature has bestowed the region with abundance of natural resources, especially forestry which provides timber for the construction purpose and fuel wood. One thing I observed there was that the community does not own the forest rather its government property. The land is fertile but comparatively small landholdings per households.
Astore valley as compare to other parts of NAs has abundance of high pasturelands. This plays most important role in determining livestock numbers at the household and village level, according to the amount of grazing land and fodder available to the pasture. However in Astore valley due to the early and heavy snowfall (Record snow fall in 2008-2009) much of the potential grazing land and fodder is not fully utilized. For that reason, the households are reluctant to reduce the number of livestock.
MANAGEMENT OF FARMING SYSTEM
In order to complete the agricultural activities or exploit natural resources members within the household i.e. men, women and children usually perform the farming tasks. In Hunza as compare to other parts of NAs, recently the increase in off farm employment and education opportunities has greatly changed the household labour patterns of farming system.
The labour exchange system in the area is being diminished with the emergence of agro technology .i.e. Tractor, Threshing Machines etc. During survey, I observed another factors responsible for lessening the community labour exchange system 1- increased off farm activities 2- increase in per capita income of farmers and increase of boys and girls education in the area.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Irrigation in Northern Areas depends on glacial water and snowmelt. Moreover, each village has its irrigation system to distribute the water among the villager’s fields. In upper Hunza (Gojal) there are plenty of barren land, there is potential areas for construction of water channels and making the land cultivable.
During informal discussion with the communities while conducting survey it has been observed that scarcity of water and proper water management for irrigation is still a major concern for many villages of Northern Areas.
In Astore valley lack of drinking water was a major concern for the people. Whereas in other parts of Northern Areas i.e. Hunza- Gojal valleys drinking water system was comparatively better.
CROPPING ZONES AND MAJOR CROPS
Potato, wheat, maize, and barley are the major crops grown in Northern Areas of Pakistan. There is signal, double and transitional cropping zones in NAs. According to AKRSP, definition double cropping zone is where double cropping possible during one year on the same piece land. It is cultivated and harvested fully ripened maize after harvesting wheat. This is usually possible below 6500 ft.
Transitional Zones are areas situated between 6500ft and 8000 ft. in these areas harvesting of second crop is completely dependent on weather.
Single cropping zones are areas above 8000 ft. where the altitude and weather only permit one crop fully get mature. In some villages, people sow second crop, which they use as a fodder crop, such as maize or buckwheat. This practice is also known as catch cropping.
According to the AKRSP’s definition, Gilgit situates in the double cropping zone, whereas Hunz-Nagar in single but some part of Hunza-Nagar lies in the transitional zones as well. In Astore Harcho is recognized by AKRSP as transitional zone.
Changes in Crop production (substantial farming to cash crops)
Due to AKRSP and other Departments interventions, many villages have shifted towards an increased production of cash crop. Besides AKRSP's interventions, there are other factors responsible for change in crop production patterns.
The major factor is KKH, which has opened new marketing channels for the sale of potatoes and other cash crops. This has reduced the distance from main market. Chinese are working on the KKH expansion and maintenance project, although this has created problem for the transportations of Agri-Products but it will help the farmers’ in terms of market accessibility after completion of the project in 3 years.
Fodder Crops
The main crops grown in the region are alfalfa and clover. However, some other fodder include maize, barley, wild grass are also used to feed the livestock.
Vegetables
Traditionally vegetables have been grown as a subsistence crop only and in the past, the variety of vegetables grown was very limited. In recent years an introduction of new varieties that is now extensive.
It has been learnt from the field visit to Gilgit, Hunza-Nagar and Astore regions that vegetable production is almost the domain of women across the region. Women are responsible most of the activities involved in vegetable production.
AKRSP under the financial support of Agribusiness Support (ASF) Lahore has established 40 Green Houses in the region in order to promote early and off season vegetable production and vegetables production and management on scientific patterns. The project has mobilized and encouraged hundreds of farmers to grow vegetables for commercial purpose. Therefore, Farmer Enterprise Groups (FEGs) have been formed and registered with AKRSP in order to meet their mutual needs, pool there activities and become more competitive through economies of scale ultimately to increase their individual income and security on the market.
Marketing is rather a complicated and difficult task to perform. Usually in NAs, marketing is undertaken by men but women are often consulted in deciding how much quantity should be sold. Mostly mixed FEGs (Male and Female) have been formed as female are best in processing or production side and male in marketing side.
HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT
AKRSP has been striving from its inception to improve the value chain of distinct fruits and has put lot of efforts in this sector, by offering number of development packages over the years. These include; new and improved fruit introduction, homogeneous horticulture practice, Commercial fruit production, and market linkages, establishment of model orchards and nurseries and capacity building programmes.
During field visit to the above-mentioned areas, it has been observed that in Hunza-Nagar people are earning a sufficient amount of money from horticulture sector as compare to Astore valley. However, still many efforts required to improve the value chain by finding the gaps in the system.
It is advisable to bring changes in the structure of production in the mountain horticulture, moving from a subsistence mode to commercialized production system. This cannot be left to the farmers or to the market; forces. It has been to deliberately planned and organized with careful evaluation of the potential for commercial production in different areas.
Hunza (including Upper Hunza Gojal) -Nagar is rich with different Cash fruits i.e. Apple, Cherry, Apricot etc. Likewise Astore valley has abundant of fruits i.e. wild Almond, Cherry, and Pine nut etc.
AKRSP under the financial support of ASF, Lahore has mobilized groups for drying apricots through Turkish method.
A cost effective, method of drying apricots is being developed at village level by installing drying tunnels with the financial support on matching grant basis from ASF, Lahore. AKRSP with the support of ASF has formed 49 Farmer Enterprise Groups in Northern Areas and Chitral engaged in Apricot drying through Turkish method. (AKRSP-ASF / FEGs Database-11/03/2009)
Besides apricot drying and marketing ASF has supported small farmers enterprise groups in establishment of model Nurseries, Apples picking, grading packaging and marketing, cherry marketing and China Grapes Orchard Raising etc.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Working as a team member with SESNAC group was a unique experience, we got an opportunity to share our experiences with each other, and apparently, that has provided us an enabling environment, where we learned from the direct interaction with the community regarding different aspects of the socio economic conditions of the mountain people. The survey provided an opportunity to interact with the community directly and closely, and to understand social mobilization techniques.
Based on my field experience there are some issues and concerns that I have come across during the survey.
Because of rapid increase in off farm employment during the last couple of years, many people have migrated in urban areas to enjoy better life standards or for better employment opportunities. People who are living in the villages have very little time to stay at home in the peak agricultural season because of lack of household labors. As it was panel survey, therefore we faced difficulties to find the respondents. Even majority of the available respondents refused to devote two and half-hours for completion of the questionnaire. It was probably 2:45 pm in Village Zarote while interviewing a respondent; he went to sleep, as the questionnaire was too lengthy. The respondent was too much tired, as he had just reached home after performing numerous agricultural activities from the morning. When he went to sleep, I took his picture on my cell phone in order to share the field experience with other team members.
It is suggested to concise the questionnaire with out compromising on the completeness and clarity in order to save the time. Accordingly, the enumerators would be able to probe and get information that is more reliable.
During the survey, we have found few discrepancies in the respondents name and addresses given to us. For easily access, the proper address of the households can be included in the list .i.e.hemlet name (Muhallah) within the village etc.
The idea of engaging AKRSP’s own staff in Survey was good, because they are professionals and are familiar with the social mobilization and community interaction techniques. In community, the field staffs represent the organization therefore besides enumerations the staff also mobilized the community for reactivations of the dormant V/Os, W/Os and sensitized the community on health and hygiene as well.
Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:08:26 PM
Northern Areas is famous for delicious apricots varieties but hygienic and clean dried apricot is still an issue because the farmers dry their apricots through conventional methods.
Usually this is done on the roofs of houses if houses are near to the orchards. Farmers usually build a sort of porch somewhere around the orchard where the apricots are turned into halves by cut opening apricots; separating the inside kernels and lying the halves of the apricot on the shaqs a Round traditional slab sort of thing made weaving think flexible twigs of some special tree called Shask in wakhi and this tree is planted specially for this weaving purpose. Baskets are also made from this tree). This method is very laborious and very time consuming. Women for hours sit and do this job. Some times the halves of apricots are put on stones to dry in sun. Similarly some people even use plastic and clothe sheets to get the apricots halves dried in the sun. Apricots dried this way are not acceptable in the market, because being remained in open air for several days (at least three days for one batch and may be a week in bad weather or may be more) they are dusty and unhygienic (its not possible for the farmers to protect whole the area of drying from flies)
By the AKRSP’s introduced method, instead of opening the apricots into halves, the apricots are dried as whole but without the kernel inside. The kernel is taken out through a small hole in the apricot. Rest of the drying method is the same. The wholes of the apricots take even more time; more than double of what it takes to dry the halves
Sun Drying and Quality1. Sun drying requires a lot of time (7-15 days) during which time there is terrible wastage of fresh fruit.
2. Sun drying is very labour intensive for an individual who is already stretched by the peak harvest season. This means that farmers can not give full attention to the quality of the apricots that they produce. Increases in the scale of the business will only worsen the problem.
3. Sudden rains can destroy days of hard work, as fruit quality is severely affected. Even if it rains during the day, and the fruit is covered, the high level of humidity under plastic sheets causes damage. This takes the form of white specs which are believed to be fungal colonies or the damage caused by their mycelium.
4. The trend for farmers to sell their apricots fresh for sale down country is developing.
5. Very high levels of sunlight at the wrong stage of drying can also be damaging to the appearance of the finished product, as moisture can not escape quickly enough from the surface of the fruit and the fruit skin detaches from the main fruit surface.
A cost effective, method of drying apricots is being developed at village level by installing
drying tunnels
with the financial support on matching grant basis from Agribusiness Support Fund, Lahore. AKRSP under the financial support of ASF has formed 49 Farmer Enterprise Groups in Northern Areas and Chitral engaged in Apricot drying through Turkish method. (AKRSP-ASF / FEGs Database-11/03/2009)
After installation of drying tunnels the following milestones would be achieved.
• Drying times of 2 days could apparently be achieved which would mean a much greater through put and tray usage during the season.
• The problem of damage caused by rain and excess sunlight would be removed.
• Exclusion of dust and other external factors would be achieved, reducing washing requirements at the factory, and producing a more uniform product of higher quality.
• Further, if the FEG wishes to move to an organic system of production, the use of potassium metabisulphate to sterilise the product after washing would not be allowed. Therefore it would be preferable to reduce the microbiological load before reaching the processing centre by not exposing the product to the elements during drying.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:32:29 AM
Agri-Export Zones by Karma:
With a view to promoting agricultural exports from the country and remunerative returns to the farming community in a sustained manner, the concept of the agri export zones (AEZ) was floated. These zones have been set up for end to end development for export of specific products from a geographically contiguous area.
AEZ are to be identified by the State Government, who would evolve a comprehensive package of services provided by all State Government agencies, State agriculture universities and all institutions and agencies of the Union Government for intensive delivery in these zones. Corporate sector with proven credentials would be encouraged to sponsor new agri export zone or take over already notified agri export zone or part of such zones for boosting agri exports from the zones.
Services which would be managed and co-ordinated by State Government/corporate sector and would include provision of pre/post harvest treatment and operations, plant protection, processing, packaging, storage and related research & development etc. APEDA will supplement, within its schemes and provisions, efforts of State Governments for facilitating such exports.
Units in AEZ would be en_title_d for all the facilities available for exports of goods in terms of provisions of the respective schemes.
Friday, October 10, 2008 8:14:20 AM
Introduction to ASF
ASF Concept
International experience indicates that the viability and profitability of agribusiness enterprises depends on the speed at which they are able to build within themselves the different skills, know-how, expertise, and market understanding required by a fast-changing economic environment.
An effective method for building these capacities within the agribusiness enterprise is to buy in external BDS.
Mission:
To support economic growth and employment generation through agribusiness development
Focus
Overall focus of the ASF is to strengthen and support demand-driven private sector service delivery mechanisms throughout the agribusiness value chain including supply inputs, production, processing, and market access for domestic and export markets. The specific focus is on horticulture and hortibusiness and livestock and dairy business.
Specific Objectives
To enable agribusiness enterprises to effectively utilise business development services (BDS) to enhance productivity, product and market diversity and penetration, and profitability.
To enhance BDS providers’ capacity to reach agribusiness enterprises through the delivery of varied and effective services.
Categories of ASF Grants:
Any service that leads to outputs for a new, specifically identified market or that develops new products or adds value to existing products are eligible for ASF funding. ASF grant funding is broadly categorized as follows:
Capacity building and related assistance to agribusiness enterprises and for start-up enterprises. The grants are provided to agribusiness enterprises for purchase of BDS.
Support to private sector BDS providers to enhance the availability and quality of services to agribusiness enterprises.
Support to individual farmers and farmer groups for the formation of agribusiness enterprises that can then obtain ASF support for eligible services.
Demand-driven research by private or public institutions leading to enhanced quality production and improved production processes, or to meet an identified market demand.
Development of private sector extension services to be provided to farmers serving or proposing to serve agribusiness enterprises.
AMOUNT OF GRANT
Eligible enterprises are required to finance 50% of the cost of services employed; the remaining 50% will be contributed by the ASF as a grant on a reimbursable basis.
The ASF finances 100% of the costs of farmers’ group enterprise formation.
Conditions
Need to demonstrate that the purchase of such services will lead to clear improvements in enterprise productivity, market penetration, product diversity that in turn leads to increased profitability.
Services that simply increase output of existing products (except for clearly identified market outlets) will not be eligible for grants and grants will not be available for fixed asset or capital investment.
ASF APPROACH:
Demand-Driven
Value-Chain Focused
Technology-Based
Impact Oriented
Sustainability
Examples
Services
Inputs
Technical
R&D
Market info & logistics
Testing
Regulatory and financial
Transportation
Quality assurance
Providers
Input suppliers
Consultants
Research organizations
Exporters, brokers
Laboratories
Lawyers/accountants
Truckers/cargo handlers
Certifying bodies
EXPECTED IMPACT
Creation of commercially viable agribusiness enterprises
Meet consumer demand for product uniformity, presentation and continuity of supply
Enhance Pakistan’s reputation for standards compliant agriculture produce
Develop the demand for and supply of private sector BDS and Research & Extension
Empower small farmers by developing numerous farmers’ group enterprises
Increase access to agribusiness finance by enhancing technical, managerial, financial and marketing skillsGenerate employment, enhance incomes and alleviate poverty
Introduction to AKRSP
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is a not for profit organization established by Aga Khan Foundation in 1982 with the mandate to improve the living condition of the people of the Northern Areas and Chitral using the participative development approach. Building on the capacities and capability of the local people AKRSP was able to mobiles the local people to take up the development agenda by organizing of more then 4000 grass-root organization called Village and Women Organizations (V/WOs) covering more then 70% of the total household in the programme area.
The Memorandum of Understanding dated November 13, 2006 is drawn between Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) and The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) to start the project in Northern Areas and Chitral.
154 Farmers Enterprise Group have been formed by AKRSP under the support of ASF. Total no of 105 Farmers Enterprise Group from Gilgit, 17 from Baltistan, 30 from Chitral have been approved by ASF Lahore and the total grant approved for the FEGs are Rs. 15,504,884.
AKRSP with the collaboration of ASF has worked in different sector especially in horticulture .i.e. apricot drying through Turkish method, establishment of green houses, establishment of fruit Nurseries and apple packaging etc. Besides these AKRSP has initiated to work on new agribusiness opportunities .i.e. Mushroom production and its marketing by women entrepreneurs, Kilao (a local product of District Ghizer) processing and marketing and grapes rootstock imported from china and planted in District Gilgit.
Enterprise Section of AKRSP has been arranged training workshops for the capacity building of Farmer Entrepreneurs in book keeping and technical training in apricots drying, and green house management etc.
Friday, September 26, 2008 9:27:42 AM
Kilao
Kilao is a local, traditional product of district Ghizer Northern Areas of Pakistan. This product is made of Walnut, Apricots kernel, Almond and Wheat flour and the pulp of Mulberry or grapes. It was served during matrimonial ceremonies and to guests of honors. As this is a highly nutritious and costly edible item therefore, the surplus product is sold in the local and down markets.
First of all the pulp (juice) of grapes or Mulberries is cooked in a big boiler until it becomes thick fluid known as Dishaw in local language
6 kg of wheat flour is mixed in 80 kg of pulp of grapes or mulberries again it is cooked for another 2 to 2.5 hours then, the walnut and apricots Kernels which is usually pierced in thread like beads pearl are dipped into that processed pulp. The marinated nuts are then hanged on the tree branches or inside the stores to save from flies, dust and rainfalls, but now in modern method we dry it inside in a small dehydration tunnel on racks.
High Quality Standards
• The farmer Entreprenuers of District Ghizer select the best local varieties of apricots kernels, walnut, Almond and mulberries for Kilao Processing.
• They have initiated to process and dry Kilao in hygienic standards and we believe in continuous improvement.
• Although farmers have been practicing traditional method of Kilao production, but we have initiated to use quality ingredients by grading its raw materials
• First time we offer our product in customer appealing packaging.
Cautions
• The sugar element in this product is too high and therefore the sugar patients consult doctors before using this product.
• It has very hot characteristics and its advisable to use only in winter season.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 6:40:41 AM
Potatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops of Northern Areas of Pakistan. The lack of market access, cold storage facilities and the non - familiarity of the growers with modern farming methods are some of the factors discouraging the cultivation of this valuable and nutritious vegetable on a large scale. The other major factor that I observed, during my visit to Passu Gojal, is that the growers are not satisfied with the return they get from this crop. Although potato is major cash crop, I would say the only source of living for most of the households living in the region. But unfortunately even government is not taking serious measures to discourage the groups/ agents who unite themselves as a cartel to influence the price. So the product is sold at lower prices which in turn reduce the income of the growers.
Potatoes being a rich source of carbohydrate can be substituted with cereal and the use of this vegetable in our diet will considerably solve the present acute problem of food shortage in the country.
Potatoes are an important nutritional source of ascorbic acid, particularly among low income families the amount of ascorbic acid as reported varies from about 10-40 mg per 100 gm of fresh tubers Potatoes may have small amounts of the common organic acids such as malic, oxalic, and critic. Unfortunately potatoes are often excluded from the diets of those who wish to reduce body weight.
During informal discussion with the farmers, agents, and the buyers I tried to understand the market mechanism and forces involved in the marketing of potatoes. The farmers were worried about the marketing and even ready to sell at lower prices, because the collapsed China Bridge in Danyore, it has created problem for transportation of the product to the market.
During informal discussion with the stakeholders especially with the farmers I came up with the following conclusions or findings.
• AKRSP intervention in this field is recommended to solve the major problems of the growers
• A complete study of the value chain of the product is recommended in order to investigate the problem and find solution to the specific problems
• Local Support Organizations can play a vital role in order to restrain the buyers to form a cartel
• Formation of farmer association from the area can also be beneficial in order to monitor the marketing forces and to protect the rights of the farmers
• In order to increase per hectare production of potato, LSOs with the help of other organizations can provide disease free quality seed to the farmers
Monday, June 9, 2008 5:55:19 AM
The Northern Areas of Pakistan is famous for its majestic high mountainous terrains, beautiful valleys, rich culture and tourist destinies. Its unique geographic and climatic condition also provides home some of best fruit produces like apricot, apple, grapes, peaches, walnuts and almond. Unfortunately, most of these produces are either wasted or sold in the market with very low price, due to several reasons. The construction of Karakurum Highway (KKH) linking this isolated mountain area to major markets like Pakistan and China, increased the potential of these produces for marketing.
The result of the survey conducted by NA Agriculture Department in 2007 shows that almost all farmers in the Northern Areas are having marketable surplus fruits. The number of bearing fruit tree in NA is around 3.5 million with a total annual production of 1,70,680 tons. Apricot alone has around 1.8 million trees with a production of more than 100,000 tons. Interestingly comparing this with international figures indicates that Pakistan stands the third largest Apricot producing country in the world. The production of other fruit found to be: apple 15,449; grapes 8,398; mulberry 16,556; peaches 4,449; pear 4,128; pomegranate 2,221; cherry 1,862; plum 710; almond 2001 and walnut 6,552 tons. District Skardu had maximum fruit production of 63525 tones followed by Gilgit 49,650; Ghanche 36,027; Diamer 11,635 and Ghizer 9843 tons. Due to increased investment in irrigation channels, by Government, AKRSP and NPIWE has increased the potential of fruit plants in the region. Another major advantage of the area is the organized community in allover the area in form of village and women organizations (V/WOs) and more formal cluster organizations of Local Support Organizations (LSOs)
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