BEIJING: China is prepared to share its rich experience with Pakistan and other countries for producing organic food. In Pakistan, organic farming is still in its infancy stage with a very limited number of established organic farms.
Statistics show that organic land only accounts for 0.2% of the total. Meanwhile, as a the second largest producer of organic products in Asia, China may offer some lessons to learn in this regard.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the general demand for nutritious products and healthy food including organic foods has increased significantly worldwide, presenting enormous opportunities for farmers and companies to tap into. Ningxia Qinlaoren Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. is a Chinese wolfberry producer based in the northwestern province Ningxia. According to the report, Chinese wolfberry is a kind of fruit and a major tonic herb with high nutritional and medical values, and it is also a key brand product in the region.
In the demonstration planting base for professional cultivation of green organic wolfberry, quality is strictly controlled from seedling to plant growth. Farm manure is used instead of fertilizer.
For pest control, physical methods are adopted instead of chemical ones. The company’s products have been widely applied in healthcare and food businesses. The organic babies’ snack brand GOOD GOUT China follows the same philosophy throughout its production cycle.
“In our range of products for babies, for example, some fruit puree or yogurt, instead of adding preservatives, honey will be used as a raw material to give it the sweet taste.
Raw materials with high fiber and protein will be used, and anthocyanins will be added to prevent oxidation”, said Offline Sales Manager Chen Qianying.
Amid the ubiquitous challenges posed by the pandemic, organic food sector in Pakistan is presented with rare opportunities.
Data show that 70% of consumers choose to increase spending on nutrition products after the pandemic, and nearly 90% of consumers’ expenditure on nutrition products has increased by 10% – 20% compared with that in the past. – Agencies
