The case for sustainable floriculture in Pakistan |
Pakistan's agriculture is at a critical juncture. Despite their dominance, cash crops such as cotton and sugarcane impose heavy water and soil burdens while delivering comparatively modest economic gains. In contrast, floriculture, while remaining a relatively small segment, provides a viable alternative offering higher profitability and more ecological sustainability, provided it is managed effectively.
Building a green floriculture sector will take far more than replacing cash crops with fields of flowers. It requires a clear focus on promoting indigenous or locally adapted varieties and on restoring the pollination and biodiversity systems that help these plants thrive.
Currently, Pakistan's floriculture value chain suffers from poor planting material, inadequate soil management, inefficient irrigation and low plant density. Investing in local varietals and tailored agronomy can bridge these........