Promotion of organic agriculture to boost exports

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organic agriculture

Najam Mazari, head of a research organisation focused on organic food and products, has stated that organic agriculture is not merely an agricultural experiment, but a new beacon of hope for the local economy, employment, and Pakistan’s agricultural exports. He emphasized that if the government pays serious attention, this “silent revolution” could multiply the country’s exports within a few years. In his statement, Mazari noted that organic farming is gaining momentum across Pakistan, but there is a need to develop it with an export-oriented vision. He added that domestic demand for organic food and products is also rising, and the sale of organic produce has led to a recorded 28% increase in the average income of farmers. However, he pointed out key challenges on the path to growth, including credible certification for organic labeling, availability of local testing laboratories, and farmer training. He urged the government to seriously consider the establishment of “Organic Authorities” at both federal and provincial levels to accelerate progress in this sector. Mazari revealed that organically produced goods from rural areas are beginning to gain access to new markets. According to preliminary data, the consumption of organic food has risen from 1.8% to 4.2% over the past two years, and if the current growth trend continues, this share could double by 2030. He added that Pakistani organic products especially honey, mangoes, vegetables, and herbs are being exported to the European Union, Gulf countries, and China. However, to capture a significant share of the global market, substantial work is still required, which, he stressed, is not possible without strong government support.

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