KARACHI: Support of the European Union for the advancement of horticulture and livestock sectors in Balochistan is very important for poverty reduction of the province. Major(R) Bashir Bareach, Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar District.
European Union funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) Project organized a training session on Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) at Khuzdar area of Balochistan province on Thursday.
The training was designed to sensitize the farmers and other Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the importance of the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), standards and their role in increasing global and local market access, increased profitability and improved food safety and security of agricultural commodities. In today’s training session 25 Participants including male and female SMEs were familiarized with the s concepts of good agricultural practices. They were also given an overview of the pest management practices with safe use of chemicals and health and safety rules. Moreover, they were briefed on importance of SPS compliance and requirements of buyers and legal authorities by the GRASP trainer, Dr Shahbaz ul Hassan.
Addressing certificate distribution ceremony of a training of farmers and SMEs arranged by EU funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Project in Khuzdar District, he mentioned that both Livestock and horticulture are very important sector of the province including Khuzdar District. He thanked EU delegation for the consistent support in the socio-economic development of Balochistan. He also appreciated GRASP project provincial team for conducting important trainings for development of Livestock and agriculture in Khuzdar district.
Mr Jahanzeb Khan, Provincial Lead GRASP Project Balochistan, shared that GRASP project objective is to increase income of farmers, traders, processors and other SMEs by building their capacities for the ultimate goal of poverty reduction in Balochistan. Director Livestock Dr Bashir Baloch also thanked EU delegation for their visit to Khuzdar District and appreciated the technical aspects of the training.
Mr. Ovidiv Mic, Head of Development Cooperation EUD, thanked district administration for the hospitality and support in facilitating his visit to Khuzdar and mentioned that ongoing support will remain continued in the coming years of GRASP and other ongoing projects for the socio-economic development of the province.
Certificates were distributed among the training participants by Mr. Ovidiu Mic Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union and by Mr. Major Bashir Ahmad Barrach, Deputy Commissioner of Khuzdar, Miss Roshan Ara, Development Advisor EU. Director Livestock Dr. Bashir Baloch, Deputy Director Livestock Dr. Anwer, Mr Arshad Rashid (EU), Dr Shah Nawaz (Acting CEO BRSP), Abdul Qayum Agriculture Officer Khuzdar, FAO District team lead Mr. Hameed Baloch and BRSP District officer Bilal Gichgi were also present in the certificate distribution ceremony. GRASP Project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by the International Trade Centre.