Non-timber farming sector remains side-lined
FI
Home Government’s discontinuation of a critical farming project has left hundreds of families without stable income Various projects claim to alleviate poverty and strengthen the rural economy in Punjab, but the Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) sector has been continuously neglected, despite its potential to connect small businesses and provide employment to thousands of rural families, especially women. Experts are of the opinion that if a proper policy is adopted in this direction, Pakistan will not only reduce poverty but will also become self-sufficient in the field of herbal medicine and cosmetics. Fatima Bibi from Changa Manga, a suburb of Kasur, who has been supporting her household expenses by rearing silkworms for many years, is a living example. “I used to earn an income of Rs60,000 to Rs70,000 by buying silk seeds for Rs4,000. I had also received training in mushroom growing, but due to lack of practical facilities, the process could not go forward,” said Fatima. Like Fatima, thousands of families who were trained in silk production are now unemployed.
Published: October 5, 2025 4:19 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original