OFFICIALLY the CPEC Phase-II has been started in the country which has further brightened the prospects of development of hybrid agriculture and cultivation of the cashable crops like mushroom crops. Pakistan’s agricultural sector directly or indirectly employs between 62 percent and 64 percent of the population, which translates to roughly 99 million to 103 million people. Contributing approximately 18.5 percent to 22.35 percent of Pakistan’s GDP, the agricultural sector holds immense potential for growth and hopefully cultivation of the mushroom crops will further increase the share in the GDP.
It is predicted that CPEC Phase-II would easily double its efficiency and productivity to a staggering 37 percent to 44.7 percent, significantly bolstering the national economy. This remarkable surge would be diversification of cashable crops mainly cultivation of mushrooms, fuelled by increased output, reduced waste, export opportunities and job creation across various industries underscoring agriculture’s crucial role in the nation’s economy and the livelihoods of its citizens.
It seems that the mushroom business in Pakistan is growing rapidly, with many entrepreneurs and farmers investing in its cultivation. The demand for mushrooms is increasing, driven by their nutritional value and culinary popularity. Obviously, the mushroom business in Pakistan has the potential to become a significant contributor to the country’s economy. With the right support, infrastructure, and expertise, Pakistan can become a major player in the global mushroom market in the future in which the CPEC Phase-II would play an important role.
The Sun-Gold Farms situated in Bhalwal is transforming traditional methods of the native agriculture towards smart food security, crop diversity, organic cultivation, profitable hybrid orientation and gearing towards healthier food staples in the country. It is the biggest farm in the country and among the best in Asia with its own spawn production lab and equipped with modern facilities. It has an annual production capacity of 2000-2500 tons, and is producing 3-4 tons daily.
It has one of the largest mushroom farms in the country promoting rural development, community development and above all generation of new jobs and eradication of poverty in the adjacent areas. The policy makers of Pakistan should positively consider including mushroom crops in the CPEC Phase-II to make the country food sufficient with lots of health benefits. Mushroom crops have low calories, high in essential nutrients, and known for their medicinal properties. Incorporating mushrooms into a diet can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and support overall well-being. Thus cultivation of mushroom crops is a befitting proposition for the local farmers.
In a conversation with Shahid Sultan, the owner of Sun-Gold Farms, he emphasized the strategic importance of mushroom crops in the country. However, he also identified several impediments, including limited awareness and training. Entrepreneurs often lack knowledge about mushroom cultivation and business management, while insufficient facilities for spawn production, storage, and transportation hinder the industry’s growth, creating challenges for the development of these cashable crops.
Sultan shared that limited access to markets, high labour costs, extreme temperatures, humidity and weather conditions can impact mushroom growth, which should be mitigated through government incentives and a smooth supply of loans. Highlighting numerous opportunities, he showcased the growing demand for mushrooms in local and international markets which would be further enhanced under CPEC Phase-II. He was hopeful that Pakistan could tap into the global mushroom market, leveraging its favourable climate and resources as an additional income source for farmers and entrepreneurs. Sun-Gold Farms urged the government to consider mushroom farming and arrange training for locals at the grassroots level, along with meaningful export incentives.
Inclusion of hybrid agriculture in the CPEC Phase-II would be a game changer to achieve the desired goals of food security, diversity, efficiency and enhanced productivity in the country. Last but not least, cultivation of mushroom crops would facilitate empowerment of women and real rural communities, providing opportunities for women and rural communities to engage in entrepreneurship.
It augurs well that many private organizations, entities and corporate sectors are providing training to local communities showing positive results by diverting attention of a number of people towards this source of livelihood benefiting people of all ages and gender and contribution of Sun-Gold Farm is remarkable. It has certain short, medium and long term plans of its cultivation inching towards exports to many regional countries in the days to come.
China and Pakistan have a strong cooperative relationship in the agricultural sector, established through a Joint Working Group formed by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2018. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote technology adoption, and increase value addition, ultimately leading to food security and economic prosperity.
In summary, mushroom crops need serious attention to reduce the initial cost and farmer friendly policies. The entry of big facilitating companies in the local market that help the farmers in terms of equipment and spawn can be supportive for the local farmers.
The author suggests that the government should discourage the import of mushrooms by enhancing import duties and taxes, which would help increase the prospects of locally cultivated mushroom crops in the country. Additionally, the government should facilitate local growers by reducing taxes, subsidizing farmers for various machinery and providing credits for starting businesses to achieve the desired goals of food security and economic diversity.
The Government of Pakistan should seek help from the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Juncao Technology of the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) because Juncao technology has revolutionized mushroom cultivation for smallholder farmers by using dried, chopped grasses instead of traditional wood-based methods. With personal commitment and support from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Juncao technology has been introduced to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, and African countries have widely applied this promising, environment-friendly technology to achieve food security.
To truly revitalize Pakistan’s agricultural sector, the government must adopt a broader strategy alongside CPEC Phase-II. The focus should be on cultivating cashable crops like mushrooms, water-efficient, high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These crops not only cater to the demands of water-scarce Middle Eastern countries, South East Asia and European Union but also provide lucrative export opportunities.
