Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Corporate Structure Incorporated under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, as a not-for-profit public Company. An independent Board of Directors - Five from the private sector - Three from the public sector - Three from the public sector Part of the Agribusiness Development & Diversification project executed by (MINFAL).

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 ASF Concept International experience indicates that the viability and profitability of agribusiness enterprises depends on the speed at which they are able to build within themselves the different skills, know-how, expertise, and market understanding required by a fast-changing economic environment. An effective method for building these capacities within the agribusiness enterprise is to buy in external BDS.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Mission: To support economic growth and employment generation through agribusiness development.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Focus Overall focus of the ASF is to strengthen and support demand-driven private sector service delivery mechanisms throughout the agribusiness value chain including supply inputs, production, processing, and market access for domestic and export markets.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Focus VALUE ADDITION

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Focus The specific focus is on horticulture and hortibusiness and livestock and dairy business.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Specific Objectives To enable agribusiness enterprises to effectively utilise business development services (BDS) to enhance productivity, product and market diversity and penetration, and profitability. To enhance BDS providers’ capacity to reach agribusiness enterprises through the delivery of varied and effective services.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Categories of ASF Grants: Any service that leads to outputs for a new, specifically identified market or that develops new products or adds value to existing products are eligible for ASF funding. ASF grant funding is broadly categorized as follows: Capacity building and related assistance to agribusiness enterprises and for start-up enterprises. The grants are provided to agribusiness enterprises for purchase of BDS. Support to private sector BDS providers to enhance the availability and quality of services to agribusiness enterprises. Support to individual farmers and farmer groups for the formation of agribusiness enterprises that can then obtain ASF support for eligible services. Demand-driven research by private or public institutions leading to enhanced quality production and improved production processes, or to meet an identified market demand. Development of private sector extension services to be provided to farmers serving or proposing to serve agribusiness enterprises.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 GRANT MECHANISM Eligible enterprises are required to finance 50% of the cost of services employed; the remaining 50% will be contributed by the ASF as a grant on a reimbursable basis. Eligible enterprises are required to finance 50% of the cost of services employed; the remaining 50% will be contributed by the ASF as a grant on a reimbursable basis. The ASF finances 100% of the costs of farmers’ group enterprise formation. The ASF finances 100% of the costs of farmers’ group enterprise formation.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Conditions Need to demonstrate that the purchase of such services will lead to clear improvements in enterprise productivity, market penetration, product diversity that in turn lead to increased profitability. Services that simply increase output of existing products (except for clearly identified market outlets) will not be eligible for grants and grants will not be available for fixed asset or capital investment.

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 ASF APPROACH: Demand-Driven Value-Chain Focused Technology-Based Impact Oriented Sustainability

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Examples of Business Development Service Providers ServicesProviders InputsInput suppliers TechnicalConsultants R&DResearch organizations Market info & logisticsExporters, Brokers TestingLaboratories Regulatory / financialLawyers / Accountants TransportationTruckers / cargo handlers Quality assuranceCertifying bodies

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 EXPECTED IMPACT Creation of commercially viable agribusiness enterprises Meet consumer demand for product uniformity, presentation and continuity of supply Enhance Pakistan’s reputation for standards compliant agriculture produce Develop the demand for and supply of private sector BDS and Research & Extension Empower small farmers by developing numerous farmers’ group enterprises Increase access to agribusiness finance by enhancing technical, managerial, financial and marketing skills Generate employment, enhance incomes and alleviate poverty

Agribusiness Support Fund A company set up under section 42 of the companies ordinance 1984 Thank you