- Govt support and farmer education can overcome challenges, fostering organic farming’s growth
The world is transitioning to organic farming for a variety of reasons. The biggest of them are health concerns that accompany synthetic fertilisers that are used to grow crops. Organic farming employs natural farming methods to control pests, resulting in food with a high nutritional value and a lower level of pesticide residues.
Pakistan’s agricultural sector stands as the linchpin of its economy, accounting for a substantial 20.9% of the GDP and employing approximately 42.3% of the labour force. The country’s fertile plains, bolstered by the Indus Basin irrigation system, render it an agricultural powerhouse, with major crops including wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane.
However, the burgeoning demand for organic produce, both globally and domestically, presents a paradigm shift for Pakistan’s agricultural landscape. As consumers increasingly prioritise health and sustainability, the organic market is projected to expand exponentially. Pakistan, with its favourable climate and soil conditions, is poised to capitalise on this trend.
By leveraging its agricultural prowess and embracing organic farming practices, Pakistan cannot only satiate the escalating domestic demand for organic produce but also tap into the lucrative global market. This strategic pivot can potentially unlock new revenue streams, bolster rural livelihoods, and cement Pakistan’s position as a significant player in the organic food landscape.
Organic farming is an agricultural paradigm that eschews the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), instead emphasising the harnessing of natural processes to cultivate crops and rear livestock. The principles of organic farming are rooted in the preservation of soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecological balance. In the long term,all these indispensable factors for a healthy life can’t be overlooked, considering the reckless use of synthetic fertilizers that are being used at a mega scale to grow edibles.
Making strides
Globally, the organic market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with sales projected to reach $323 billion by 2025. This exponential growth is concomitant with an increasing adoption of organic farming practices, as farmers and consumers alike recognize the myriad benefits of this sustainable approach.
The global organic farmland has expanded by 15% annually since 2015, with Australia, Argentina, and China emerging as frontrunners in organic cultivation. As the organic sector continues to flourish, it is poised to play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental stewardship, and ensuring global food security.
Organic farming has a promising future, when seen from multiple lenses.
Organic farming offers a trifecta of benefits that converge to create a sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Environmentally, organic farming promotes soil health through the use of natural amendments, conserves water, and reduces pollution.
A study published Agronomy Journal found that organic farming practices can mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in soils and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Health-wise, organic produce tends to have higher nutritional value and lower levels of pesticide residues, contributing to improved public health outcomes. Economically, organic farming can provide higher profits for farmers, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economic development.
By embracing organic farming practices, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet.
Strong agriculture
Organic farming is fast entrenching itself as a replacement to traditional farming practices across the world, demonstrating its utility and effectiveness.
For instance,organic farming has been successfully adopted in various regions worldwide, showcasing its viability and potential for sustainable agricultural development.
In India, for instance, the state of Sikkim has emerged as a beacon of organic farming, with over 75% of its agricultural land under organic cultivation. This shift has not only improved soil health and biodiversity but also generated higher incomes for farmers and contributed to the state’s ecological conservation efforts.
In Brazil, the organic farming programme has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, with over 12,000 farmers adopting organic methods. Similarly, in Europe, countries like Austria and Switzerland have made significant strides in organic farming, with over 20% of their agricultural land under organic management. These success stories underscore the potential of organic farming to transform agricultural landscapes, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
Pakistan: Ideal location
Pakistan needs to emulate this model of farming to preserve soil health and sync with modern agricultural practices.
Pakistan’s diverse climate and soil conditions render it an ideal location for organic farming. The country’s four distinct seasons, coupled with its varied soil types, allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including cotton, wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Furthermore, Pakistan’s livestock sector, comprising dairy, poultry, and beef, can also benefit from organic farming practices.
Organic farming in Pakistan presents numerous opportunities, including the production of value-added products such as organic textiles, spices, and herbs. The country’s rich biodiversity and favorable climate enable the cultivation of high-quality organic crops, which can cater to both domestic and international markets.
Several successful organic farming projects in Pakistan demonstrate the viability of this approach. For instance, the “Organic Farming Project” launched by the Government of Punjab in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has shown promising results, with farmers reporting increased yields and improved livelihoods (FAO, 2018).
But despite this promising vista, there are numerous challenges facing Pakistan in mainstreaming Organic farming.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural Extension (2024) highlights the persistent challenges confronting organic farming in Pakistan. Limited awareness and knowledge among farmers about organic farming practices remain a significant obstacle, with 75% of farmers surveyed lacking understanding of organic farming methods.
High upfront costs for organic farming certification and infrastructure also deter farmers from adopting organic practices. A study published in the Journal of Organic Systems (2024) found that the average cost of organic certification in Pakistan is PKR 150,000 (approximately USD 850), a prohibitively expensive amount for many small-scale farmers.
Furthermore, limited market access and demand for organic produce in Pakistan, coupled with competition from conventional farming practices and imported organic products, exacerbate the challenges facing organic farmers.
A report by the Pakistan Organic Food Association (2024) notes that the domestic market for organic produce is still nascent, with limited consumer awareness and demand.
Follow up
To overcome these challenges, the Pakistani government, civil society, and private sector must collaborate to provide training and education to farmers, offer financial incentives for organic certification, and promote market development for organic produce.
To harness the potential of organic farming in Pakistan, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Government support, private sector investment, and farmer education are essential to promote organic farming practices.
Policy recommendations:
— Establish a national organic farming policy.
— Develop a comprehensive policy framework to guide the growth of organic farming in Pakistan.
— Offer subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans to farmers to offset the costs of organic certification and infrastructure development.
— Develop and implement training programmes to educate farmers on organic farming practices, soil conservation, and integrated pest management.
— Establish organic markets, certification bodies, and labeling schemes to facilitate the growth of the organic sector.
— Offer tax breaks, investment incentives, and public-private partnerships to encourage private sector investment in organic farming.
By implementing these policy recommendations, Pakistan can unlock the potential of organic farming, contributing to a sustainable, food-secure, and prosperous future.