Govt to set up packhouse, lab to boost farm exports

The government is planning to set up a modern packhouse and a certified laboratory to boost the export of agricultural products.

A packhouse is a facility where fruits and vegetables are received and processed before distributing them to markets.

A two-acre plot in the capital's Purbachal area has already been awarded to the agriculture ministry for the project.

Quick initiatives will be taken to expedite the construction of the packhouse, said Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.

Once built, the number of fruits and vegetable shipments to the EU, the Middle East and other regions will increase manifolds, according to a press release.

"Agriculture will be able to make a huge contribution to the overall economy of the country," he added.

The minister's remarks came at a seminar on the importance of building a modern packhouse and accredited laboratory, organised by the Horticulture Export Development Foundation at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium yesterday.

Bangladesh already exports fresh fruits and vegetables to various countries, including those in the EU. Besides, the demand for processed food is also increasing day by day.

However, exporters have to supply food products according to the needs of the importing countries.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are exported from Bangladesh to about 43 countries, including the UK, Italy, France, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, the Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

In fiscal 2019-20, fresh vegetables and fruits worth $165 million were exported. This includes $23 million worth of potatoes.

Many importing countries ask for phytosanitary certificates following the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention as a requirement.

The establishment of modern packhouse and accreditation laboratories is essential to accelerate the trend of exporting vegetables and fruits.

"The main hurdle is the lack of internationally accepted certifications for packaging and safe food. If this packhouse and lab are set up, these obstacles will be removed," Razzaque said.

As the house is close to the airport, it will facilitate the transportation of goods, he added.