How South Punjab’s Rich Agri Can Fuel Business Opportunities

M Atif Ismail

Multan: With a rich history of calligraphy, pottery, handicrafts, and agriculture, South Punjab holds immense potential as a treasure trove of opportunities for businesses, particularly small industries. The region’s diverse sectors are poised to boost economic growth, offering a myriad of avenues for value addition that could uplift local communities and contribute to the country’s economic progress.

At the core of this opportunity lies the region’s agricultural strength. Agro-based businesses, such as fruit and vegetable processing, dehydration units, and spice grinding mills, are particularly viable. These industries can capitalize on South Punjab’s abundant produce, helping to reduce post-harvest losses that farmers currently face due to a lack of processing facilities.

“Significant quantities of vegetables and fruits perish due to their short shelf life. Proper preservation and value addition can generate substantial revenue,” remarked Mian Rashid Iqbal, President of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). 

He emphasized that “dehydration units could convert excess vegetables into powder, as these powdered forms are highly popular in international markets.” With the right facilities, local farmers could enhance their incomes through value-added products like jams, pulps, and powders.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistans-agri-sector-key-to-global-food-security-jadoon/

Rashid Iqbal also highlighted the livestock sector as another pillar of South Punjab’s economy. “Milk and meat processing, as well as the production of organic dairy products, offer numerous business opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.”

However, he expressed concerns about the exploitation of farmers by multinational companies that purchase milk at very low prices and sell it at a premium. “By establishing local processing plants, farmers could retain more profit, similar to our neighboring country, where cattle farmers work in clusters to process and sell milk.”

The President of MCCI stressed the need for government intervention to support local farmers and reduce reliance on multinational corporations. Additionally, fish farming, particularly fish cage culture, represents an untapped resource in South Punjab.

With three rivers and numerous canals, the region provides ideal conditions for fish farming, which could significantly improve living standards for farmers while bolstering the national economy. The large-scale introduction of fish farming would offer sustainable livelihoods for many, allowing rural communities to thrive.

In addition to agriculture and livestock, South Punjab is home to a wealth of traditional handicrafts. Local artisans create exquisite pottery, woodwork, brassware, and textiles that are cherished both locally and internationally.

Renowned products such as blue pottery, camel-skin lamps, and hand-woven carpets showcase the region’s craftsmanship.

According to Mian Rashid Iqbal, the digital age presents new opportunities for these artisans. By marketing their work through online platforms, they could access global markets and earn significant foreign exchange. 

“We need an e-catalog that provides detailed descriptions of the handicrafts, their history, and their unique cultural significance,” he emphasized.

President Iqbal also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for the region’s skilled IT workers, many of whom currently seek employment in Lahore and Karachi. “By offering incentives for these professionals to work in their hometowns, the government could stimulate the local economy while providing training to unemployed youth,” he stated.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/struggles-of-rural-women-in-agri-amid-gender-inequalities/

“This shift could lead to the growth of South Punjab’s digital economy, complementing traditional businesses.”

Private sector businessmen see vast potential in small industries, provided a holistic approach is adopted to ensure financial support, value addition facilities, and effective marketing of locally produced goods. 

“Dairy farming, leather goods production, poultry farming, and textile-related businesses like handloom weaving and embroidery are already thriving and require investments to grow and expand their marketing,” remarked businessman Altaf Shahid. 

He added that specialized crafts such as camel-skin work, Khussa (traditional shoes) making, and basket weaving are deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage. 

“Truck art, a unique art form of the country, also presents opportunities for expansion and marketing.”

In light of the vast potential for small industries in South Punjab, Ammara Manzoor, Director of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation, stated that the department plays a critical role in promoting small businesses. 

“With loans offered at just a five percent markup, the corporation is helping artisans overcome financial barriers and modernize their products.” She noted that many artisans face language barriers in effectively showcasing their work, which is why a Handicraft Development Centre has been established at Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony. 

This center will provide artisans with opportunities to display their creations, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. “The center will act as a hub for local talent by bringing together craftsmen from across the region.”

Moreover, she revealed plans for two industrial estates in Khanewal and Mian Channu, covering 65 and 70 acres respectively, offering small plots of up to two Kanals for new businesses established by local entrepreneurs. “This initiative is part of the government’s policy to facilitate local entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.”

While mechanization poses challenges to traditional crafts, she believes that innovative designs and culturally relevant products can still find a market. 

Given the immense potential in South Punjab, there is an urgent need to integrate the region into the mainstream economy and technological landscape, providing local artisans with access to modern technology and markets to flourish and generate more employment opportunities.

The feature report was released by APP on September 29th, 2024.