A Training Course on “Global GAP and Organic Certification” ended at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) here on Thursday.

The objective of training program was documentation for a successful implementation of the Global GAP/Organic Framework for the Fruit & Vegetables and to provide awareness for better understanding on organic standard requirements to increase the export of fruits and vegetables.

The training focusing on Global G.A.P (Good Agricultural  Practices) General Rules, Farm, Crop base covering fruit & Vegetable and Organic Product certification, was organized by PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with System Machinery Inspection Services-china Quality Certification an American International Accreditation Organization (SMIS-AGS). About 25 highly Experienced Scholars, Professors, Engineers participated and exchange their views with China delegate and appreciated the course.

Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR in his address highlighting the importance of the training said that it not only emphasize on the Global GAP Organic certification requirements but also focus on the production enhancement skills to the farmer so that they can earn more from their limited resources. He said that by adoption of modern agricultural practices and acquisition of international export certifications, Pakistan has got significant growth in export of fruits and vegetables. Despite this growth, the country still shares a negligible percentage of the global merchandise in fruit and vegetable, he added.

Vice Chancellor assured the participants that PMAS-AAUR will provide opportunity to upgrade farmers by implementing Global G.A.P/organic to enhance export. He also announced that 25 acres land will be provided to SMIS-AGS for organic practices at University Research Farm and assured full cooperation from PMAS-AAUR.

On the occasion, Mr. Qu Fengfa international expert from china highlighted the requirements of Global GAP / organic standards all farm base, crop base and fruit and vegetable. He was of the view that awareness of product standard and true implementation the standard will upgrade the farms product. 

Both organizations also signed a MoU to increase the awareness about Global GAP/Organic Certification at the Farm level which will play a key role in the increase in export of fruit and vegetables. Under the MoU both organization will work together for monitoring the management system and training courses regarding Global GAP as well as Organic activities. Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR & Mr. Khalid Mahmood and Mr. Qu Fengfa from SMIS-CQC signed MoU on behalf of their respective organizations