The Beauty of Farming
Farming is one of the oldest and most essential trades known to man. It involves being one with nature, being a part of a cultural belonging and the process of harvesting crops. Did you know farming runs deeper than just a day’s work? farming helps build a person’s character. Farmers dedicate their entire life to this job and end up strengthening their patience. Farming is truly a beautiful trade that provides food, natural wellness and impacts several livelihoods.
Farmers take pride in their land and stock. They spend their entire lives growing, nurturing, seeding and harvesting their crops. A farmer will see their work as a legacy more than a profession. There is a great Greek proverb that springs to mind – A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit. It is a mission beyond themselves.
Looking At Global Trade
Let’s take a look at the farming relationship between Pakistan and Britain. From colonial times, large-scale farming has become more apparent as the modern-day partnership has evolved. The UK is one of Pakistan’s key trading partners, with farming taking place in the heart of Pakistan, Punjab.
Crops Sailing Towards UK Sales
Let us delve into some interesting crops that bid farewell to the Punjab and sit at the heart of many British supermarkets today.
Basmati Rice – Rice is one of the most popular crops that exports from Pakistan. The popularity comes from the signature long grains of Basmati, followed by their amazing aroma. Basmati Rice can be cooked in various ways and is a fantastic foundation to most dishes!
Mangoes- Pakistani mangoes, particularly Chaunsa and Sindhri mangoes as they are very popular amongst the UK markets. These delicious mangoes are known for their sweetness, thickness in skin, potent fragrance and very rich texture. Mangoes are a great way to start off any smoothie for the upcoming summer.
Oranges- Oranges, also known as Kinnow in Pakistan, are a unique variety of mandarin oranges grown in Punjab. They make their way to UK markets annually due to popular demand. They are delicious in taste and have a thick citrusy skin that feels great to peel by the touch. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C and can be added to your next fruit platter!
Wheat – While much of Punjab’s wheat is used to meet Pakistan’s internal needs, a portion is exported to international markets, including the UK. The demand for Pakistani wheat and flour has grown, particularly in niche markets catering to South Asian consumers. Whear can be used for lots of different recipes. In South -Asian countries, particularly in Pakistan and India, communities come together to enjoy chapatis which is known as flatbread. Roti’s can be eaten with lots of different curries. In the UK, butter chicken is a popular dish to have roti beside.
Vegetables (Onions, Potatoes, and Chillies) – Various vegetables from Punjab, including onions, potatoes, and green chillies, make their way to British supermarkets and ethnic grocery stores. You can find heaps of chillies at local Asian corner shops. A popular Pakistani supermarket in the UK that hold such stock is Pak Foods.
Farming has the ability to connect nations and spread the tradition of giving on a large scale, joining heads with other communities and advancing cultures. The agricultural bond between Pakistan and Britain is not just about trade, but it is also a cultural and economic bridge that connects communities, strengthens historic ties, and highlights shared values, such as charitable giving, which can be easily calculated using a Zakat calculator.