LAHORE – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) will make the Fruits Dehydration Unit, Swat operational by mid of this year to curb post-harvest losses of fruits and create over 1000 jobs in the area.
It was stated by a SMEDA spokesperson today while highlighting the significance and target-line for completion of this project.
The subject Project has been funded through PSDP and allocation of funds has been made in CFY 2019-20 to complete the project by June 2020, the spokesperson said adding that deadline for activation of this project has yet not been expired. The project is being completed within the given timeframe and will be operational by mid of this year to facilitate the stakeholders.
The Spokesperson further informed that the subject fruit dehydration facility is being established for processing (washing, slicing, packing, and storing) fruits and vegetables as a common facility center for local growers, processors and exporters to provide dehydrated fruit, supported by packaging as per international standards.
It is notable that SMEDA aims to implement this project to replace existing hazardous and obsolete sun drying methods with the modern machinery and minimize post-harvest losses, which are estimated 35pc in fresh fruits.
The project is meant to improve the livelihood of the local communities by increasing employment opportunities offering 15 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs.
According to official details, almost 90 per cent of building and civil works have been completed and the machinery has also been procured. –PRESS RELEASE
