Peshawar, In a significant boost to the meat processing industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recently concluded a meat processing competition, recognizing top performers with advanced processing equipment. This event marks a critical step in promoting food safety and innovation under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Project for Agro-Food and Agro-Industry Development Assistance (PAFAID).
According to United Nations Pakistan, the competition targeted meat processors from Peshawar, D.I Khan, and Abbottabad, who participated in extensive training on product development, marketing, and food safety. It culminated in a prize distribution ceremony where mostly businesswomen who excelled in implementing these practices were honored. The awarded equipment is expected to enhance their business operations significantly.
Mr. Muhammad Wasif Saeed, Director General of the KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, praised the initiative for improving hygiene practices and food safety standards in the region. He emphasized the goal of facilitating compliance over imposing penalties. Mr. Rehan Ali, UNIDO National Project Coordinator, detailed the competition’s process and highlighted the critical role of partnerships in advancing the sector’s standards.
The PAFAID project, now in its operational phase, continues to work towards enhancing compliance and value addition in the meat and apple production sectors of KP and Balochistan, contributing to Pakistan’s broader economic development.