By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: The Sindh Agricultural Forestry Workers Cooperative Organization (SAFCO), supported by Welthungerhilfe and the German development cooperation, successfully held its Annual Rice Community Conference in Thatta, gathering over 300 smallholder rice farmers alongside key stakeholders from agriculture, trade, research, and food security sectors.
The conference aimed to enhance coordination among farmers, government departments, rice research institutions, traders, processors, exporters, NGOs, and market linkage service actors, while promoting value chain development, cultural micro-enterprises, and access to modern markets.
Panel discussions featured experts from the Agriculture Extension Department, rice research institutes, exporting companies, seed and fertilizer suppliers, and research organizations, who shared insights on market requirements, government policies, and technical and economic aspects of the rice value chain. Experts highlighted Thatta’s strong potential for international market access, noting that compliance with environmental and quality standards could significantly boost farmers’ incomes and long-term sustainability.
Key attendees included Nihal Marri, Director Agriculture Research Sindh; Dr. Muhammad Chohan, Director PARC; Saleem Jokhio, Additional Director Agriculture Extension Thatta; Khuda Bux Behrani, Additional Director Social Welfare Thatta; Mehrein Iqbal Soomro, Deputy Director Social Welfare Thatta; Zeeshan Memon, Executive Director SAFCO; Waheed Haider Zaor, Project Manager SAFCO; and Ghulam Nabi Chohan, President Rice Value Chain Association, along with representatives of national and international organizations.
Speakers emphasized the importance of organizing farmers to strengthen their bargaining power and market access. SAFCO’s initiative of distributing indigenous rice seeds to 1,000 farmers was praised as a landmark step to preserve Sindh’s local seed varieties and reduce dependence on commercial markets. Participants were also briefed on SAFCO’s capacity-building trainings, provision of seeds and fertilizers, and overall contributions to improving agricultural productivity.
The Rice Value Chain Association Thatta organized informative stalls showcasing indigenous rice seed varieties, rice-based products like hair sprays and face masks, educational material, and traditional items such as red rice bread and lassi. Farmers engaged actively with the exhibits, learning about value chain improvements, business linkages, and modern agricultural practices.
Participants described the conference as highly beneficial, underlining its role in improving farmers’ livelihoods, strengthening food security, and supporting sustainable development of the rice sector in Thatta and beyond.
