UNIDO upgrades Regional Pesticide Quality Control & Research Lab in Balochistan province to provide accurate, precise, and timely results to ensure food safety and facilitate farmers to improve fruit and vegetable exports

Quetta (24 May 2022), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and The Department of Agriculture, Government of Balochistan (GoB) upgraded the Regional Pesticide Quality & Research Lab in Balochistan under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded Project for Agri-Food and Agro-Industry Development Assistance (PAFAID). The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative Department, Government of Balochistan, Mr. Mir Asadullah Baloch inaugurated the laboratory.

The event was attended by Secretary Agriculture & Cooperatives department GoB Mr. Umaid Ali Khokhar, D.G. Agriculture extension Balochistan Mr. Ali Raza Jamali, and participants of the training on the importance of Regional Pesticide Quality Control and Research Lab.

This Lab Upgradation will provide accurate, precise, and timely results to farmers and the agriculture department with an aim to make the availability of quality pesticides and help to minimize the use of substandard pesticides, and ensure food safety. UNIDO supported the lab renovation and also provided state-of-the-art equipment including the HPLC equipment, refrigerator, UPS, chemicals, and supplies. UNIDO trained the Lab staff to use this facility.

Appreciating UNIDO and JICA’s support the chief guest, Mr. Mir Asadullah Baloch, the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative Department, Government of Balochistan said, “Synergies among projects, programs, and organizations, including government departments are vital for developing and improving the apple value chain in the province”. Furthermore, he visited the lab where the director of Plant protection Agriculture extension Quetta Dr. Arif Shah briefed him and other guests present at the event. The chief guest also distributed certificates among the participants for successfully completing the training on Method Validation & Control of equipment earlier this month.