Introduction:
The U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) is a USAID funded project which aims to improve the ability of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture and livestock sectors to compete in international and national markets in the four target product lines; meat, high value and off season vegetables, mangoes and citrus. AMD will act as a catalyst for development and investment in target product lines by actively promoting cooperation and coordination amongst the value chain actors and ancillary service providers. AMD’s implementation strategy is underpinned by a strictly commercial and market driven approach with a clear focus on strengthening market access for its partner organizations, and support international marketing and sales efforts.
AMD encourage investments in the four target product lines through matching grants and technical assistance and empower stakeholders by developing synergies, upgrading, streamline supply chains, and technical assistance to optimize profit margins and increase participation of women entrepreneurs, and ultimately help make Pakistani meat, high value and off season vegetables, mangoes and citrus more profitable and more competitive.
Background:
Irradiation of food is the use of ionizing radiations from accelerators that produce controlled amounts of beta rays or x-rays on food. Benefits of E-beam irradiation treatment are dramatic and impact a wide cross section of agricultural products by Extending Shelf Life: Irradiation extends the shelf life of certain foods by deactivating molds, killing spoilage organisms and, in some products, delaying ripening. Irradiated foods are kept fresh for longer periods of time. Moreover, by interfering with cell division, irradiation inhibits sprouting in tubers, bulbs, and root vegetables (potatoes, onions). Extended shelf life directly helps in food security by holding stocks safely for extended periods and also for extended delivery range for the domestic and international markets by Improving Food Quality: Irradiation decreases post-harvest food losses due to spoilage and deterioration in quality. Large amount of agriculture produce is wasted due to insect infestation, molds and premature germination — all of which irradiation can eliminate or control. Irradiation presents an effective and safe alternative to traditionally used fumigants and pesticides, resulting into a reduction of chemical residues in food and preventing the health hazards associated with them. Improved Market Access: Irradiation is an effective plant quarantine treatment against possible infestations in foods. It is an accepted official post-harvest quarantine treatment for products such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, cereals, legumes, spices and dried vegetable seasonings, as well as other stored foods. For instance, USA had allowed market access to irradiated Pakistani mangoes in Ohio. Australia is also considering irradiation as quarantine treatment for allowing access to Pakistani mangoes.
AMD proposes to encourage private sector investment in this technology by mitigating risks through matching grants and the provision of technical assistance. This cross cutting activity has the potential to transform the agriculture sector in Pakistan by decreasing post-harvest food losses due to spoilage and deterioration in quality and increasing market access by extending the shelf life of foods. Extended shelf life directly helps in food security by holding stocks safely for extended periods and also for extended delivery range for the domestic and international markets.
The National Center for Electron Bean Research at Texas A&M University has organized a one week Hands-On Workshop in Electron Beam Technology for professionals in fresh produce, processed food, exporters, importers, technology developers and regulatory authorities. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to provide insights into the use, impact and benefits of utilizing this technology in Pakistan.
Through this EOI, AMD is seeking up to five (5) interested Food Safety / Quality certified Pakistani agribusiness related enterprises, who are qualified to export food products, have a valid U.S. visa and are willing to work with AMD on a cost sharing basis in participating in the workshop. AMD will pay the registration cost for the Texas A&M workshop on E beam technology, while airfare and in country (Pakistan) travel will be borne by the selected partners.
Date: April 16-20, 2018
Food Safety/ Quality certified Exporters of HVOSV/Citrus/mango/meat
Closing Date: March 5th, 2018
Submission through any track-able courier service or email to the address:
[email protected]
The Procurement Department:
U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development
83 – A/E -1, 5th Floor,
Main Boulevard, Gulberg III,
Lahore, Pakistan