ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) has stressed the need for promoting organic farming for a healthy society and prosperous farming community.
"The government should adopt an organic farming policy, promote the use of genetically non-modified seeds, launch awareness campaign and bring at least 15 per cent of the land under organic farming," Founder President, IWCCI Founder President Samina Fazil said while addressing a workshop here.
Businesswomen should explore opportunities in the lucrative field of organic farming which promises good returns, benefits environment, boost production and conserve nature, she added.
Samina Fazil said that there is a great demand of different varieties among growing number of organic food consumers which can be exploited by the business community.
She said that organic farming can reduce cost by over 25 per cent by abandoning the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides; it minimize soil erosion by around 50 pc and increasing crop yields up to five-fold within five years.
Organic farming supports wildlife, improve entire ecosystems and reduce contamination in the ground water while dairies can ensure better livestock health, less sickness, and better milk and meat for consumers, said Samina Fazil.
Asking the business community to consider organic food stores across the country, she said that organically grown products are free from harmful chemicals, artificial flavours and preservatives which improve health and reduce healthcare costs.
It reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer because it is not loaded with toxins and chemicals, she informed.
Those who cannot find organic food in the vicinity can start developing good eating habits and reduce the hazardous impact of pesticides from initiating kitchen gardening, she said.
The workshop was organized by ICCI and the Network. The Network office-bearers including Rubina Bhatti, Dr. Sobia Faisal, Waheed Iqbal, Saira Khalid, Sahaab Farooq and Arish Naseem were also present on the occasion.
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