Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) has approved 52 grants for projects of worth Rs 11 million for different private sector of agribusiness enterprises with a focus on reducing poverty in rural areas.

 

According to ASF spokesman, in its thirteenth Appraisal Committee meeting, it has approved 52 grants for enterprises ranging from Farmer Groups to SMEs, from all over Pakistan for purchase of different BDS (Business Development Services).

 

The grants will support 51 Farmers Enterprise Groups (around 515 farmers in the groups) in the development of onion seed packaging, establishment of dehydration units for chillies and guwar as well as Green houses for off-season vegetables. Other grants provided included support for commercial scale Apple Jam production and for participation in an exhibition in Germany.

 

ASF was created under the auspices of the Rs 4.1 Billion ADDP (Agribusiness Development and Diversification Project of Minfal) with support from Asian Development Bank (ADB). The aim of ASF is developing the agribusiness sector in Pakistan and thereby supporting economic growth and employment generation. ASF has been tasked with promoting the private sector agribusiness enterprises by providing matching grants for purchase of "Business Development Services" and also providing capacity building support to BDS providers.