Lahore: Najam Mazari, head of the Institute for Research on Organic Food and Products, has urged the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to prioritize the promotion and export of organic food and products alongside other major sectors, emphasizing that such a move could strengthen Pakistan's position in the rapidly expanding global organic market.

Mazari said Pakistan's favorable climate and fertile land offer immense potential for organic production, but the opportunity remains underutilized due to the absence of a structured national strategy. He stressed that the SIFC should integrate the organic food sector into its key investment priorities and develop opportunities across farming, processing, certification, and export infrastructure.

He added that closer collaboration with the private sector, supported by incentives, capacity-building programs, and financial assistance, could help Pakistan emerge as a leading exporter of organic products within a few years.

Mazari further proposed that the SIFC, in partnership with international organizations, establish a comprehensive policy framework to align domestic production with global standards. 'Such measures would not only boost exports but also strengthen the national economy and create new jobs, particularly in rural areas,' he said.

He also recommended forming joint working groups comprising federal and provincial departments and stakeholders from the organic sector to address challenges related to policymaking, certification, quality assurance, and logistics.

Mazari concluded that if implemented effectively, the SIFC's support could significantly enhance Pakistan's agricultural exports, reinforce the rural economy, and generate sustainable employment in the organic food industry.