By Faiza Tehseen Islamabad, Nov 03 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan is one of the top 10 chilli producing nations endowed with a rich organic and sandy loam and humid yet dry weather for regular cultivation of chilli in both summer and winter seasons. Pakistan cultivates chilli on at least 158,000 hectares, producing approximately 143 million tonnes annually. Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are the country's red chilli cultivating provinces. Pakistan produces a lot of varieties like Capsicum Annum (Bell pepper, Jalapeno, Cayenne), Capsicum Frutescence (tabasco), Capsicum Chinese, Capsicum Pubescens, Capsicum Baccatum, Habanero, Red Savina, Naga Morrich, Anti Bear, pepper spray, ornamental chillies or Christmas Pepper and exports most of chillies and chilli products to the Middle Eastern and European markets. Pakistan exported 2,817 metric tons of whole and powdered chillies worth USD5,727,738 (PKR916.44 million) in the Fiscal Year 2018-19 with an average net income of USD2,344 (PKR375,000) per hectare as against 1,825 tons exported in FY 2019-2020 fetching Rs581.3 million. The overall ratio with 63percent at its peak in the last 19 fiscal years was much better in FY2016-2017 when 5,905 tons of red chillies worth Rs914.3 million were exported. The Planning Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives issued international data in February 2020 on chili producing countries compiled in 2017. The following table shows the major chili-producing countries of the world. Source: Planning Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives report, February 2020. https://pc.gov.pk/uploads/report/Chili_Cluster_Report.pdf (Sourced from FAOSTAT, Prices, Producers Prices-Annual http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/PP). As per the table, Pakistan stands in 7th position on the list of chilli-producing countries. Unfortunately, chilli production in Pakistan has lowered since 2015. The most critical factors responsible for a decrease in demand for the Pakistani chilli in the international market are high levels of aflatoxin and fungal and bacterial activity. Mostly, farmers dry chilli pepper on the open dusty grounds, causing fungal infections. Dirty storage bags, including jute storage bags, absorb moisture and cause Aspergillosis [a fungal infection] leading to the loss of color, shine, and aroma. To promote sustainable cultivation and proper post-harvest, the government has taken a few initial steps and the USA has assisted Pakistan on the primary basis. Under its food progress program, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has funded the Pakistan Agricultural Development (PAD) project coordinated by Winwork International, Canada which will be responsible for implementing the project with the partnership of local farmers and seed and farm articles traders, etc. To reduce the likelihood of aflatoxin exposure during the post-harvest process, collapsible dry cases and hermetic bags under the said project proved to keep the brilliant color of peppers, moisture, and natural aroma after seven months of storage trial. China and Pakistan are also encouraging their private business communities to develop business connections with each other. The combined chilli farm pilot project is one of its best examples. CMEC and Sichuan Litong food group are of opinion that they are merging their expertise in seed and technology with Pakistan's favorable environment in terms of rich soil, water and cheap labour and this partnership will benefit Pakistan to improve the quality and yield of its chilli crop. The Chinese partners have introduced 13 varieties in Pakistan, of which two varieties – JH-302 and PJH-407 – have yielded the best results. The Pakistani co-workers and agricultural staff will also be trained in planting technology with advanced but less complex and expensive irrigation systems and reduced fertilizing technology. This project seems to be extended to more Pakistani areas for other food products. CMEC and Sichuan Litong have planned to work in Pakistan in three different phases. In the first phase, seed and technology will be provided to farmers and products will be bought back from them. Installation of value addition factory units and product availability in the local markets is the second phase, while the third phase will target the international market for trade. Another main target of this cooperation is to facilitate the farmers to get smart loans and subsidies for seed/agricultural technology etc. This will help the Pakistani farmers reap high-end crops. It is expected that China will import approximately 300 tons of picked and dried chillies from the said farm. Mr. Wu Guang, General Manager of CMEC, said, “This is the first time that Pakistani chilli has been entering the Chinese market since 2020”. This partnership among the Pakistani farmers, CMEC and Sichuan Litong food group will not only contribute towards alleviating poverty but will also increase agricultural output both for domestic and export purposes. The project will help generate revenue to uplift economy, increase GDP, and earn a handsome foreign exchange. Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Mr. Nong Rong has praised the chilli farming project and said it is expected to produce more than 8,000 tons of dried chillies with a net income of more than PKR100,000 per acre for local farmers.