Promoting organic agricultural practices is essential for ensuring the provision of safe and nutritious food for all individuals: Chairman PARC

• Promoting organic agricultural practices is essential for ensuring the provision of safe and nutritious food for all individuals: Chairman PARC
• First Ever Green Shop unveiled on World Environment Day at Rakhni, Barkhan

Islamabad: (Dte. PR&P PARC) In commemoration of World Environment Day, the WWF-Pakistan Organic Cotton Team, in collaboration with the Agriculture Extension Department Balochistan, launched the First Ever Green Shop. The initiative aims to facilitate the accessibility of bio inputs for organic farmers at the local market level, promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. The launch was accompanied by a farmer’s field day held in Rakhni, Barkhan, Balochistan, which welcomed prominent guests and experts from the agricultural sector.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed figures such as Chairman PARC, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the audience, Dr. Ali emphasized the economic potential of organic cotton, highlighting its ability to generate foreign exchange earnings and contribute to the overall growth of the country. He also acknowledged the growing demand for organic products among health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. Dr. Ali further emphasized the significance of intercropping organic pulses with cotton, presenting a promising opportunity for farmers to expand their organic farming operations and tap into the rising market. National Project Director Pulses, PARC Dr. Muhammad Mansoor said that the importance of organic cultivation of pulse crops lies in its capacity to augment the resilience of agricultural systems by fostering soil quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Pakistan has made significant strides in cultivating organic pulse, particularly in Balochistan province. Recognizing the importance of reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, WWF-Pakistan, CABI, and Agricultural Extension Balochistan have agreed to strengthen their collaboration to promote intercropping of organic cotton and pulses. This innovative approach not only enhances soil health and yields but also mitigates the risk of pests and diseases. By concurrently cultivating multiple crops on a given plot of land, farmers can optimize resource utilization and minimize inputs, leading to improved productivity and sustainability.

Following the Farmer Field Day event, an Oath Taking Ceremony was conducted for members of the Organic Farmer Association Balochistan. Participating farmers pledged to prioritize the enhancement of organic farming practices and the development of the farming community. The collaborative initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Hafiz Muhammad Bakhsh, Senior Manager of OCPs, aims to create a network of farmers committed to sustainable agriculture and contribute to the growth of organic farming in the region.