Food production: Country must follow Chinese rooftop farming tech: PCJCCI chief

Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Shah Faisal Afridi has said that by following Chinese rooftop farming technology of "aquaponics" we can overcome the food and water shortages, excessive use of pesticides and expensive fertilisers. He said, "Aquaponics is a technique that harvest both fish and vegetables, while using the waste from fish to feed plants and the plants to clean the water for the fish."
In his talk with a group of chamber members on Wednesday, President Afridi said the Chinese model of latest soil free and rooftop farming technology of aquaponics presented Pakistan with an opportunity not only to return a level of personal or household food production to cities but also create a viable commercial urban farming sector.
He said it was explored by China for several decades as a possible solution to the foregoing environmental, energy and food shortage problems. The technique is capable of producing 5000 kilogrammes of vegetables and 500 kilogrammes of fish per year by using a limited space. "Rooftops across the world are being used to produce vegetables, fish, chicken and other farm products successfully through the aquaponics technique," he added.
He said, "Aquaponic systems are much more productive and use up to 90 percent less water than conventional gardens. Other advantages include no weeds, fewer pests, and no watering, fertilising, bending, digging or heavy lifting."
"This is the right time for Pakistan to explore its huge marine seafood resources and become a major producer of seafood, not only for local consumption but for the global market as well. He informed that currently, nearly 400,000 people are directly engaged in fishing in Pakistan and another 600,000 in the ancillary industries. He further said that Pakistan should pay serious attention to aquafarming through which we can get more organic green food. With concerted efforts along with proper incentives, the fisheries production is likely to increase, leading to its greater role in the national economy," he added.