Back to the Soil

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Tharparkar: In an era when climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation are converging into a global crisis, the way we grow our food demands urgent attention. Industrial agriculture—with its heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms—may have increased short-term yields, but it has done so at a devastating cost to our soil, water, and health.

Organic farming offers a compelling alternative. Rooted in traditional practices and guided by ecological principles, organic agriculture avoids disturbing the natural environment. It doesn’t depend on toxic chemicals but rather works in harmony with nature. I believe this is the path Pakistan must pursue—strategically, urgently, and wholeheartedly.

Chemical-based farming has undeniably led to environmental degradation. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we cultivate are all under stress. Not only do these substances contaminate ecosystems, but they also diminish the nutritional value of our food.

According to an agriculture expert from the University of Karachi, such chemicals destroy beneficial soil organisms—nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-assimilating fungi (mycorrhizae), and earthworms—vital to soil health and crop productivity.

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Organic farming, on the other hand, nurtures soil biodiversity. It treats soil not as an inert growing medium, but as a living ecosystem. Techniques like crop rotation, composting, and using cover crops such as clover enrich the earth, improve water retention, and reduce the need for irrigation. Organic crops even perform better under environmental stress, including drought—a growing threat in countries like Pakistan.

In livestock farming, organic methods prohibit the use of antibiotics and genetically modified feed. Animals are raised in stress-free, natural environments, fed balanced diets, and treated with preventive care. This is not just an ethical imperative—it also results in healthier food for consumers and fewer harmful residues entering the food chain.

The approach is holistic. Beneficial insects are introduced to naturally manage pests. Drip irrigation is used to conserve water. Manure and plant waste are composted to return nutrients to the soil—much like the forest floor cycle in nature. These practices don’t just maintain productivity; they enhance resilience and restore ecological balance.

The global shift toward organic farming is no coincidence. Even Western countries that once championed chemical-intensive agriculture are now reversing course.

In the US, for instance, the National Organic Standards—enforced since 2002 by the USDA—require rigorous inspections, detailed records, and strict adherence to practices that protect both human and environmental health. Products bearing the USDA organic label must contain at least 95% certified organic ingredients and are subject to annual verification.

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The growing demand for organic food in developed nations, despite its higher price, shows that consumers increasingly value health, sustainability, and ethical production methods. Why should Pakistan lag behind?

As an agriculture-rich and labor-abundant country, Pakistan holds immense potential to become a leader in organic farming. What we need is political will, thoughtful policy reforms, and investment in farmer training and certification systems.

Organic farming isn’t just an environmental concern—it’s an economic opportunity. Export markets are booming, and local demand is rising as awareness spreads.

Organic farming isn’t a nostalgic return to the past—it’s a smart, forward-looking response to the ecological challenges of our time. It is time for Pakistan to invest in a cleaner, greener agricultural future—for the sake of our farmers, our economy, and our health.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.

The writer is a social development professional based in Umerkot Sindh. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com.