Pakistan has launched an initiative to help chilli farmers improve the quality of their produce and meet export standards, starting with growers in Kunri, Sindh.

The Food Security and Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE), in partnership with Verdora Ventures, has distributed geotextile drying sheets to local chilli farmers.

The sheets provide a clean surface for drying chillies instead of placing them directly on soil. This can help reduce dirt and contamination, improve drying and control aflatoxin, a toxin linked to poor storage and drying conditions.

The initiative is aimed at improving the colour, grade and overall quality of locally produced chilli while reducing post-harvest losses.

The move could also help farmers access wider domestic and export markets. Food companies currently face difficulties in sourcing high-quality red chillies locally and rely on imports for better-quality produce.

The drying sheets were distributed at an event in Kunri attended by representatives of FACE, Verdora Ventures and Sona Agri Hub.

Muhammad Ahmad, Head of Partnerships at FACE, said improving food safety and quality is important for farmers to access better markets and export opportunities.

Syed M. Mahd, CEO of Verdora Ventures, said contamination and aflatoxin have limited farmers’ ability to secure better prices and reach new markets.

The initiative is intended to improve chilli quality at the farm level while supporting higher incomes and greater export opportunities for growers.