STAFF REPORT LHR: The 2nd National Workshop on “Natural Food and Health: Avenues of In- novation and Entrepreneurship” was organized by Pakistan Coun- cil for Science and Technology (PCST) here at University of Man- agement and Technology, Lahore as part of this series. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Fed- eral Minister for Science and Technology stressed the benefits of organic food and its health benefits for human being and en- vironment. The Minister assured full support of his ministry to ex- plore possible arrangements and resolve difficulties confronted to promote scientific research in Pakistan.


Rana Tanveer Hussain conceived the promotion of or- ganic food as a tool for poverty alleviation and welcomed PCST in arranging this workshop.


Talking on the event, Prof. Dr. Anwar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Chair- man PCST, communicated his true appreciation to the speakers and members in the workshop from all over the country. Prof. Gilani remarked the use of organ- ic food in connection with health and economic prosperity, poten- tial subsidizing opportunities and way forward for rapid develop- ment of organic food industry in Pakistan. He additionally shared his research experience on useful food s as powerful and safe solu- tion for chronic ailments, like dia- betes, cancer and heart disease as far as extent of organic cultivating.


The speakers of the workshop are of the view that Pakistan along with the world is gradually turn- ing to more beneficial food and lifestyle decisions. Looking at the data in regards to undesirable de- cisions verified by social scientists and researchers; with every pass- ing day, people are hoping to roll out improvement in their lifestyle. Globally there are numerous op- tions available but in Pakistan the choices are limited. Here emerge the market and need of organic food which can fulfill this gap.


Professor Dr. Talat Naseer Pa- sha, VC University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore the chief guest of the occa- sion said that organic food is more advantageous and has favorable circumstances over non-organic food. Subsequently, an expansion can be found in the interest for or- ganic food in the course of recent years.


In recent years the demand for organic products in increasing globally; according to a research report of 2015 published by Tech- Sci Research “”Global Organic Food Market Forecast and Oppor- tunities, 2020″, global organic food market is projected to regis- ter a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 16% during 2015 – 2020. Growth in the mar- ket can be attributed to growing health concerns among consum- ers and increasing awareness with regard to health benefits of or- ganic food. Other factors driving organic food sales across the globe include increasing income levels, improving standard of living, and government initiatives aimed at encouraging widespread adoption of organic products.”


Abid H.K. Shirwani, D.G., University of Management and Technology focused upon the significance of making awareness in regards to food security and health, highlighting organic cul- tivating, as a vital area with enor- mous capability of employment and income era through export.


The organic farming is much better option for the environment than the conventional farming. Conventional farming by its abun- dant use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers causes widespread environmental dam- age. It has already led to soil ero- sion, salinity, land degradation, declining soil fertility, and dis- turbed ecosystem. By contrast or- ganic and bio-dynamic agriculture is focused on protection and pres- ervation of ecosystem and strives at striking a balance between land, crops and animals including the natural soil microbial flora. It largely saves the land from ero- sion or degradations, increases its fertility by use of organic manure and a judicious crop cycle, and promotes the overall crop growth.

By Web Team

Technology Times Web team handles all matters relevant to website posting and management.