Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has approved the Balochistan Organic Agriculture Policy 2024, marking a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability and economic development.
As the first province in Pakistan to introduce such a policy, Balochistan aims to promote organic farming practices that boost biodiversity, enhance food security, and help farmers adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Additionally, the policy seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on organic imports, potentially saving millions in foreign exchange.
This policy draws on the successes of the organic cotton cultivation project, executed by the Agriculture Department’s Extension Wing in partnership with WWF-Pakistan.
The project, supported by Laudes Foundation and various textile companies such as Artistic Milliners, Soorty Textile, Artistic Fabric, Sapphire, and Gul Ahmed, was implemented in districts like Barkhan, Lasbela, Kohlu, and Khuzdar.
Following the policy’s approval, efforts will now intensify to promote and support organic agriculture in Balochistan. Key initiatives will focus on shaping farming practices, encouraging eco-friendly agricultural environments, and establishing a robust quality and value chain.
These measures aim to attract farming communities towards organic agriculture and connect them to competitive national and international markets.
