Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government plans to establish agro-based industries in the Ghotki Industrial Estate. This strategic initiative is part of a broader vision to promote agricultural value addition, enhance rural livelihoods, and drive sustainable economic growth in northern Sindh.

Ghotki, a district known for its fertile agricultural lands and abundant produce, is poised to become a hub of agro-industrial activity in the coming years. The decision to set up agro-based industries in Ghotki aligns with Sindh’s long-term economic development goals. The region is already a major producer of key crops such as wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and fruits like mangoes and dates.

Despite this, much of the raw agricultural produce has traditionally been transported to other regions for processing, leading to loss of potential revenue and employment opportunities. “By establishing processing units closer to the source of raw materials, the new industrial estate will enable value addition at the local level,” Taufiq Korai, Director of Industries Department, told WealthPK.

The industries planned for the Ghotki Industrial Estate include rice and flour mills, cotton ginning and textile units, fruit and vegetable processing plants, sugar mills, and packaging facilities. These agro-industries will not only generate direct employment opportunities but also support ancillary services such as transportation, storage, cold chain logistics, and equipment maintenance, Korai said.

Also, the initiative will benefit farmers by providing better market access, fairer prices, and opportunities to engage in contract farming with industrial partners. He informed WealthPK that the provincial government, in collaboration with the Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) and Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE), offered incentives such as tax breaks, land on concessional rates, and infrastructure support to attract private investors.

The development plan includes roads, water supply, electricity, and waste management facilities in the estate to ensure a business-friendly environment. Furthermore, this initiative will contribute toward reducing post-harvest losses and food wastage – a persistent issue in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, he said.

With modern processing and preservation facilities, perishable commodities can be stored and exported efficiently, boosting the region’s export potential. The agro-industrial development will also foster innovation, with the emphasis on research and development (R&D), quality control, and sustainable practices.

He said the establishment of agro-based industries in Ghotki can serve as a model for other districts in the province. By harnessing local resources, promoting public-private partnerships, and focusing on inclusive growth, the project could significantly transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.

It represents a major step toward rural industrialization and agricultural modernization. Korai said the creation of agro-based industries in Ghotki Industrial Estate is a promising venture that could redefine the agricultural and industrial outlook of northern Sindh.

Credit: INP-WealthPk