Pakistan Meet Muhammad Hashim, an organic cotton farmer who has established himself as a source of inspiration for his fellow farmers in the Khuzdar district of Pakistan following his success in cultivating cotton using natural methods.
For nearly a decade, Hashim dedicated himself to the cultivation of cotton, but as time passed, he found himself growing increasingly disheartened with conventional cotton farming. His frustrations were particularly rooted in the heavy use of chemical pesticides, and the higher cost of production and the excessive water usage associated with them. In Parko Kurd, Hashim’s village, irrigation primarily relies on groundwater sourced from tube wells, whose availability can be precarious based on the unpredictability of seasonal rainfall.
Soorty Enterprises, OCA’s Implementing Partner, in Pakistan has been instrumental in supporting Hashim’s switch from conventional to organic cotton farming. The OCA’s Farm Programme has provided him with crucial resources, expert guidance, and ongoing support to successfully cultivate organic cotton.
With the support of our OCA Farm Programme, Hashim transitioned away from the use of chemical pesticides and underwent comprehensive training in the application of organic alternatives, such as farmyard manure and organic pesticides. Knowledgeable field trainers introduced him to the effectiveness of specific essential oils and natural methods, tailored to target particular pests while remaining environmentally friendly and safe for both the environment and people. Following their expert guidance, he successfully integrated a variety of natural extracts, including turmeric, Aishark, and tobacco, to combat bollworms, one of cotton’s most prevalent pests.
Thanks to the valuable knowledge and experience acquired through the training sessions, Hashim achieved remarkable improvement compared to previous years of conventional cotton farming, successfully lowering his production costs and water usage. At present, Hashim plays an active role in the community, promoting the exchange of valuable information about organic pesticides. Kudos to you, Hashim!
Empowering farmers from seed to market
Organic cotton is a powerful tool that improves livelihoods for farming communities and helps safeguard the environment. Yet it still only represents 1.4% of total global cotton production. OCA has always focused on creating the conditions for organic cotton to thrive – by putting farmers first.
Through OCA’s Farm Programme, we’ve been training farmers in the specific organic and regenerative practices that promote soil health and functionality. Soils higher in organic matter are more biologically diverse, active, and more drought-tolerant – a significant long-term benefit in our changing climate. Join OCA and support our programmes to contribute positively to the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. Let’s unleash the potential of organic cotton together!
