Pakistan is and always has been an agricultural country. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, of the 30.5 million hectares that our nation occupies, 47% is agricultural land which is significantly higher than the global average of 38%. However, the country still scored only 26.6 on the Global Hunger Index in 2023 which is categorized in the ‘serious’ range for food insecurity.
This stark contradiction between abundant agricultural land and high food insecurity underscores the need for transformative initiatives. This is where corporations like Unity Foods play an extensive role. Working in tandem with local and federal governments across the country, the organization has implemented numerous sustainable practices that effectively address Pakistan’s food security issues while contributing to lasting progress and agricultural development.
Over the past 3 years, Unity Foods initiated its Taqatwar Pakistan campaign, an initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition in Pakistan through its range of products that offer nutrient-rich diets to people. Through its brand, Sunridge, Unity Foods aims to empower those with scarce financial resources to access healthy rations manufactured through state-of-the-art processes. To date, the organization has reached over 150,000 families, donating ration boxes worth PKR 525 million, making a significant impact on countless lives. This innovative initiative aims to improve food security across Pakistan by delivering high-quality nutritious food to vulnerable and deserving families nationwide.
By forming strong partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, hospitals, orphanages, and compassionate individual donors, a diverse coalition led by Unity Foods has come together to fight food insecurity. The organization has also invested in cutting-edge IT infrastructure and launched the Taqatwar Pakistan App to ensure complete transparency in the registration and distribution process. This digital solution enhances accountability and allows for efficient management of resources, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Beyond the Taqatwar Pakistan campaign, Unity Foods has set a precedent for the corporate sector in Pakistan by becoming one of the pioneers in corporate farming through Unity Plantations, a vertical under the Unity Foods umbrella. Corporate farming, extensively utilized in developed nations, has the potential for large-scale impact in Pakistan, improving both the quantity and quality of agricultural produce nationwide.
The investment rollout plan for this program includes the development of agricultural land and the deployment of modern corporate farming infrastructure, featuring an investment of US$ 100 million. This ambitious plan is designed to modernize agriculture in Pakistan, integrating technology and advanced farming practices to maximize productivity.
The mechanization of farming under this initiative aims to increase land productivity and operational efficiency. It utilizes solar tube wells, pivot and drip irrigation systems, and drones for pesticide treatment. This marriage of technology and farming is expected to significantly drive up food production, thereby addressing the nation’s pressing food security concerns. Such advancements not only enhance efficiency but also promote sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term agricultural success.
The farming and livestock farming infrastructure currently spans 6,200 acres across Vehari, Okara, Sialkot, and Bahawalpur. Meanwhile, the livestock management facilities in Karachi and Lahore can handle and slaughter over 300,000 animals per year. Crops cultivated include Basmati rice, maize, wheat, sesame seeds, and edible oil seeds such as rapeseed, canola, and sunflower seeds, all of which are staple foods in almost every household throughout the country. These efforts ensure a steady supply of essential food items, contributing to the nation’s overall food security.
Integrating Unity’s sustainable strategy into the agricultural value chain, the company’s Farm-to-Fork initiative connects over 500 farmers under “Baikhtiyar Kissan Program”, providing them with sustainable livelihoods, financial support, and agricultural consultancy on modern farming practices. The program includes segments such as training, provision of quality seeds and fertilizers, and land mechanization. By fostering strong relationships and building confidence within grower communities, the program ensures digital transformation and area-specific training, helping farmers adapt to new technologies and practices.
Additionally, the program facilitates transportation to reduce post-harvest losses and ensures end-to-end delivery. The sustainable product portfolio of Unity Foods includes fortified products with essential nutrients, processed at Unity Foods facilities in Punjab and Sindh. Careful packaging minimizes losses and damages to agricultural produce, ensuring that high-quality products reach consumers in optimal condition.
Partnerships with banks provide guarantee purchases to farmers, along with logistical support and storage facilities. This strategy enhances customer and export potential, ensuring a seamless integration from farm to market. By securing financial backing and providing essential infrastructure, Unity Foods helps farmers maximize their productivity and profitability.
Unity Foods is at the forefront of addressing food security and agricultural development in Pakistan. Through initiatives like Taqatwar Pakistan and Unity Plantations, its corporate farming venture, Unity Foods is transforming the agricultural landscape, ensuring sustainable practices, and improving the lives of countless families across the nation. The company’s innovative approaches and strong partnerships serve as a model for other corporations, demonstrating how the private sector can play a crucial role in fostering national food security and agricultural progress.