Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Businesswomen asked to explore economic benefits of organic farming

Organic agriculture benefits environment, production and conserve nature

Islamabad: Sept 22

Samina Fazil, founder President, Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday asked the government to promote organic farming for a healthy society and prosperous farming community.

The government should adopt an organic farming policy, promote the use of genetically non-modified seeds, launch awareness campaign and bring at least 15 per cent of the land under organic farming, she said.

Businesswomen should to explore opportunities in the lucrative field of organic farming which promises good returns, benefits environment, boost production and conserve nature, she said while speaking at a workshop jointly organised by IWCCI and TheNetwork.

Samina Fazil said that there is a great demand of different varieties among growing number of organic food consumers which can be exploited by the business community.   

She said that organic farming can reduce cost by over 25 per cent by abandoning the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides; it minimise soil erosion by around 50 pc and increasing crop yields up to five-fold within five years.

Organic farming supports wildlife, improve entire ecosystems and reduce contamination in the ground water while dairies can ensure better livestock health, less sickness, and better milk and meat for consumers, said Samina Fazil.

Asking the business community to consider organic food stores across the country, she said that organically grown products are free from harmful chemicals, artificial flavours and preservatives which improve health and reduce healthcare costs.

It reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer because it is not loaded with toxins and chemicals, she informed.

Those who cannot find organic food in the vicinity can start developing good eating habits and reduce the hazardous impact of pesticides from initiating kitchen gardening, she said.

TheNetwork was represented by Rubina Bhatti, Dr. Sobia Faisal, Waheed Iqbal,  Saira Khalid, Sahaab Farooq and Arish Naseem.