Pak can boost organic farming with Chinese expertise, says PCJCCI

LAHORE: Organic farming in Pakistan remains in its infancy, with only a limited number of established organic farms. However, the country can benefit significantly by learning from China’s extensive experience in the sector, according to officials from the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI).

Speaking at a meeting held at the PCJCCI Secretariat on Monday, PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said that China is ready to share its expertise with Pakistan and other countries to promote organic food production. “As the second-largest producer of organic products in Asia, China offers valuable lessons that Pakistan can adopt,” he said.

Organic products in Pakistan are often viewed as luxury items, with only a small number of organic farmers in operation. The primary reason lies in their high prices, driven by small-scale, scattered production, which limits the popularity and accessibility of organic food.

Hussain noted that the growing trend of online marketplaces is transforming the agricultural sector. “The ongoing digital transformation will provide new opportunities for organic farming, enabling direct marketing and benefiting the entire agriculture sector,” he added.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hussain emphasised that Pakistan’s organic food sector now faces rare growth opportunities. “Data shows that 70 per cent of consumers increased their spending on nutrition products after the pandemic, with nearly 90 per cent reporting a 10-20 per cent rise in their expenditure compared to pre-pandemic levels,” he said. He also highlighted Pakistan’s natural resources, which align well with the development of the health and wellness industry.

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Mansoor Saeed Sheikh underscored the importance of international exposure for Pakistani enterprises. “Participating in global exhibitions can enhance knowledge exchange and open new markets,” he said. Sheikh expressed optimism about the potential of healthcare products along the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that small-scale farmers could significantly boost productivity if equipped with proper expertise.

“With the launch of the China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform, agricultural collaboration between the two countries is poised for substantial growth,” he added.

PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal highlighted the need for a local certification body that meets international standards to verify and label organic products. “To gain recognition in domestic, regional and global markets, Pakistan must establish a home-grown certification authority,” he said.

Such a certification system, according to experts, would not only enhance producers’ credibility and consumer confidence but also promote environmental accountability and strengthen food security across the country.