rki.news
rki.news
Multan, September 9, 2025 — MNS University of Agriculture Multan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) and the Export Development Fund (EDF), inaugurated a state-of-the-art dehydration plant facility to support the country’s fruit and vegetable sector.
Chairman National Seed and Development Authority, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), served as chief guest and highlighted the project as a major milestone for farmers, traders, and exporters, enabling value addition and improved export competitiveness.
The ceremony was attended by PHDEC CEO Athar Hussain Khokhar, Consultant Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Assistant Manager Zulqarnain Zaka, Trade and Investment Councillor for UAE Ali Zeb Khan, and Councillor for Manchester, UK, Owais Farooqui. They stressed the importance of modern processing facilities in enhancing Pakistan’s international trade footprint.
Project Manager Muhammad Bilal Ahsan of MNS University outlined the technical features of the dehydration plant, emphasizing its role in reducing post-harvest losses and meeting international quality standards. More than 50 farmers, traders, and exporters participated in the event.
Senior academics including Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, Prof. Dr. Umar Farooq, Prof. Dr. Mubashir Mehdi, along with food scientists, also joined, underscoring academia’s role in linking research with practical industry solutions.
