Pakistan’s SIFC Urged to Institutionalize Support for Organic Industry Growth

By Dr. Ansab Ali
LAHORE,The head of Pakistan’s Institute for Research on Organic Food and Products, Najam Mazari, has called on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to prioritize the development and export of organic food and products, warning that the country risks missing out on a rapidly expanding global market unless the sector is formally integrated into national investment and export strategies.

Mazari said that Pakistan’s diverse climate and fertile agricultural land make it well-positioned to become a competitive player in the global organic industry, but the potential remains largely untapped due to the absence of targeted policies and institutional backing.

He urged the SIFC to create investment opportunities across the organic value chain, including farming, processing, certification, and export infrastructure. “If the organic food industry receives structured support and access to incentives, Pakistan could emerge as a leading exporter within a few years,” he said.

Mazari proposed that the SIFC collaborate with international organizations and domestic stakeholders to design a comprehensive policy framework aligning Pakistan’s organic production standards with global benchmarks. Such coordination, he said, would not only improve export competitiveness but also contribute to economic diversification and job creation, particularly in rural areas.

He further recommended establishing joint working groups involving federal and provincial departments, certification bodies, and private sector representatives to address key challenges related to regulation, quality assurance, logistics, and market access.

“Organic agriculture offers Pakistan a sustainable path to strengthen its rural economy while meeting growing global demand for environmentally responsible products,” Mazari added. “Institutionalizing this sector through the SIFC can transform it from a niche market into a major export driver.”