LAHORE, Nov 19 (Wealth Pakistan): The Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT) has approved the prefeasibility report for the Food Processing Units Project. It also directed the consultants to reshape the report so that banks and financial institutions can easily review it.
Approval and background
The approval came during a meeting chaired by PBIT Chairman Muhammad Muntaha Ashraf. A spokesperson told Wealth Pakistan that the Director General (DG) briefed the participants on the project’s progress. He explained that member departments submitted eighty-six proposals from different sectors. Out of these, twenty were shortlisted by the Projects and Business Development Group (PBDG) for further development.
The DG added that, following the committee’s instructions, six proposals were sent to financial consultancy and accountancy firms. These firms are preparing detailed investment prefeasibility reports.
Meetings with consultants and departments
The DG said that PBIT held eighteen meetings with the hired consultants and relevant departments. These meetings helped align sectoral needs and ensure proper data-driven planning. As a result, the consultants had enough guidance to shape the reports clearly.
Food processing project presentation
After the DG’s briefing, the consultants presented their report on the Food Processing Units Project. They said that the project aims to reduce post-harvest losses by processing citrus, mango, guava and tomato crops. Moreover, they recommended locating the project near Faisalabad because the area offers strong industrial and logistical support.
Guidance by the PBIT chairman
The chairman praised the presentation. He asked the consultants to narrow the focus of the report and present a clearer economic case. He also advised them to design the report so that it appeals directly to small and medium-sized investors. After this discussion, PBDG members expressed satisfaction. They instructed the consultants to prepare the report for presentation to banks and financial institutions.
Representatives from technical departments and consultancy firms also attended the meeting and shared inputs during the discussions.
Expert views on agriculture and post-harvest losses
Dr. Muhammad Imran of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad told Wealth Pakistan that the Food Processing Units Project can strengthen Punjab’s agriculture sector. He said that Punjab contributes heavily to the national economy, especially through textile exports and fruit production. These fruits include citrus, mango, guava and tomatoes.
However, he pointed out that large quantities of these crops are lost after harvest. Growers often lack proper storage, modern harvesting tools and processing facilities. As a result, farmers lose income, and the agriculture sector loses productivity.
Value addition and economic opportunities
Dr. Imran said that food processing units can convert raw produce into value-added products. These products can also earn foreign exchange when exported. In addition, the project can create new business opportunities in processing, packaging and distribution. This growth can help entrepreneurs and improve the province’s overall food value chain.