A farmer in Layyah, has successfully developed a complete citrus orchard using natural methods, without chemical fertilizers or pesticide sprays.
A team from the University of Agriculture Peshawar arrived in Layyah for a study visit to examine the model farm.The visiting team, led by Prof. Dr. Hamid Jaleel, included experts from the departments of agriculture, nutrition and chemistry.
Speaking to the media during the visit, Dr. Hamid Jaleel said they had heard in Peshawar that regenerative agriculture was being practiced in Chowk Azam. This method involves farming without chemical fertilizers or sprays, relying instead on organic mulching and the use of natural fertilizers. It is known internationally as nutrition-sensitive agriculture and climate-smart agriculture.
Dr Jaleel said their team travelled specifically to observe this form of agriculture and expressed satisfaction after inspecting the orchard. He described it as a “model farm” with excellent plant health and impressive per-plant yield. He noted that fruits produced through organic mulching differ significantly from chemically grown fruits in both quality and market value. He said organic fruit commands up to 30 percent higher prices in international markets, and global demand for organic produce is rising rapidly. Pakistan, he added, could earn substantial foreign exchange by adopting such farming practices.
He advised the farm owner, Haji Ihsanullah, to get the orchard registered as an organic farm and introduce sheep farming to further increase profits and enhance organic fortification.
Farm owner Haji Ihsanullah told the media that four years ago he realized that chemical sprays were harmful to human health. He immediately shifted to organic fertilizers and has since avoided all chemical inputs. He said his fertilizer cost this year was Rs 620,000, down from the previous Rs 3 million, and he aims to reduce it further. He added that this system has the potential to transform the future of Pakistan’s agriculture.