A Review on Potential for Organic Farming in Pakistan

Amir Raza, Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, PakistanFollow
Shahzada Asif Ali, Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, PakistanFollow
Haroon Shahzad, Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, PakistanFollow

Abstract

Intensive use of agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) has enhanced crop productivity in Pakistan. This rise in productivity has been achieved at the cost of degradation of natural resources (land and water), and environmental pollution. The current situation demands a gradual transformation towards eco-friendly farming practices like organic farming to ensure the sustainability of the agriculture sector. This article presents our viewpoint on the potential benefits of organic farming, its role in mitigating the impact of climate change and the potential for adoption and promotion of organic farming in Pakistan. Organic farming seems to offer promising opportunities on account of its documented benefits towards improving soil resilience, sustaining productivity, conservation of bio-diversity and positive impact of organic foods on human health. Adoption of organic farming approaches may help developing countries like Pakistan to realize sustainable development goals. Limited awareness and institutional support are the key factors responsible for the slow adoption of organic farming in Pakistan. There is a dire need for support from the government and policymakers to promote organic farming. The study underlines the dire need for a paradigm shift towards organic agriculture through incentivizing farmers, strengthening research and institutional support, and enhancing market access for organic produce. Organic farming seems to be a viable solution to cope with the challenges of land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change while promoting inclusive and equitable development, paving the way for a resilient and ecologically sound future for the agriculture sector of Pakistan.