Pakistan lags in Asia's organic production boom

According to The Express Tribune, Pakistan is largely missing out on a fast-growing organic farming trend across Asia, where India and China have moved well ahead. FiBL figures show that Asia had more than 8.7 million hectares under organic management in 2024, with India holding close to 3.97 million hectares while China has 3.59 million. The region now has more than 2.7 million organic producers, yet Pakistani participation is minimal because of domestic obstacles.

Najam Mazari, who leads a research body focused on organic produce, wants the government to create separate certification, testing and traceability systems so local goods can reach overseas buyers with confidence. He also wants state seed bodies to set aside at least 10% of their targets for organic seed, while private firms receive tax relief and easy loans. Mazari further proposed provincial organic clusters offering training and marketing support, and a national organic farming policy shaped by regional progress.

Chaudhry Tariq Mahmood, a grower from south Punjab who had recently experimented with organic cotton and grain, says his crops are lumped with chemically treated produce. Without testing labs and traceable supply chains, growers bear high risks yet miss out on premium export prices. Mahmood urged authorities to act now on supply chains and certification standards, and to back local growers.