I have always found it impossible to draw a line between my work and me. Everything I do is a part of who I am. In order to keep myself alive I have to constantly evolve.
I have always found it impossible to draw a line between my work and me. Everything I do is a part of who I am. In order to keep myself alive I have to constantly evolve.
Highlights of My Projects
I have always found it impossible to draw a line between my work and me. Everything I do is a part of who I am. In order to keep myself alive I have to constantly evolve.
My multifaceted and multidimensional skills not only add value to brands but also have far reaching impact on the development of overall market of natural and organic products.
My on-the-field research and knowledge exchange activity enables the transition to naturally healthy and resilient farming systems. I build evidence and understanding of the positive impact of organic and agroecological farming, and practical information to help farmers and growers do it better.
I am guided by developments in natural and organic agriculture and food marketplace and focus on challenges related to food and nutrition, the environment and land use, facing the world of agriculture and agronomics today. Challenges such as climate change, human nutrition, competition between food and non-food crops, the exhaustion of fossil resources and appropriate land management put agronomists in a position to generate compatible economic, social and environmental development”.
A Journey to the World of Natural & Organic Agriculture
I believe in a very strong link between healthy soil, healthy plants, healthy food and healthy people.
I see my little world that I move and breath within reflected in the entire world. Everything that happens in the world outside me is moving within me and I am moving with everything that is happening within the world”.
Established Pakistan’s First
Organic Research Farm
The beginning of Organic Era in Pakistan
Chak Shahzad, Islamabad: 2006 - 2012
VEGEGARDEN was an innovative research farm that has been at the forefront of the organic permaculture and horticulture that was dedicated to researching and promoting “Organic Urban Agriculture” with emphasis on home and community Vegetable, Herbs, Fruits, Goats, and Poultry farming.
The idea of VEGEGARDEN was conceived, planted and nourished by Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal who believes that food is central to human well-being and one of the best ways of uniting people of different communities and cultures around a common, positive agenda.
Established Pakistan’s First
Organic Stevia Farm
The beginning of Era of Stevia Cultivation
in Pakistan: 2008
Established Pakistan’s First Stevia Farm integrated with other Medicinal & Culinary Herbs. Initially built on 2 acres of natural virgin organic land located at the foothills of Himalayas and further extended the facility on 10 acres.
The farm facility was purpose build to grow medicinal herbs in 100% natural setting without the use any fertilizers and pesticides is purely an outcome of passion and love for the sweet leaf.
Established Pakistan’s First
Integrated Organic Farm
The beginning of Organic Integration in Pakistan: 2008
National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
Based on Innovative concept & design.
This organic farm is aligned; passion with strategy, collaboration and process, to best achieve sustainable, accelerated growth with greater fulfilment for everyone involved.
The farm is a combination of on-field Research Facility, a Nature Preserve, and a Recreation and Educational Place for families.
Innovative Solution to Waste-water Treatment for Agriculture (BIOREMEDIATION)
Pakistan Agriculture Research Centre: 2008 - 2011
Bioremediation is the centuries old process that is re-invented and is considered the latest development in waste water management strategies. The technique involves the use of organism to eliminate of neutralize pollutants from s contaminated site.
The pilot project was designed and executed at National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad as part of the “development of organic agriculture project”. The project was designed and executed with the use of living organisms, like microbes and bacteria to remove contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from sewage water and to turn into a healthy irrigation water for agriculture.
Served as an Advisor on Organic Agriculture (2008 - 2012)
Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC)
National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC)
My innovative and pioneering work on sustainable agriculture and urban farming, acknowledged by the Pakistan’s premier agriculture research institute; PARC/NARC that was led by renowned agriculture practitioner Dr. Zafar Altaf as the Chairman PARC.
That was an era when the pioneering work on organic agriculture took place at National Agriculture Research Centre. During this period successfully grown multiple organic crops including wheat with record output.
Development Sector
2002 – 2010
Being founding Executive Director of Mir Khalil Ur Rahman Foundation (MKRF), a social sector arm of Pakistan’s largest media house Jang Group / Geo Television Network; besides managing record setting fundraising campaigns for South East Asia Tsunami 2004, Earthquake 2005, Physically Displaced Persons 2008, Floods 2010, also formed joint venture with Microsoft for vocational education in Pakistan.
Record-making launch of Confectionary & Snacks Brand “KIMS”
1999 - 2002
KIMS brand is owned by Silver Lake Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Hattar, Pakistan.
As a marketing and brand consultant; designed and executed successful brand building, marketing, sales strategies/plans and established national level distribution network.
The brand achieved market leadership role in biscuits (Ticky Pack Range) and chocolates categories beating its years old established brands in the market. Still KIMS enjoys its market domination.
Resident Director
KARGAR Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
1986 – 1988
Handled successful advertising campaigns including designing of marketing strategies for “Rose Petal Tissues” and “FROST Juices & Milk Pack” both are brands of Packaged Ltd.
Afterwards the Milk Pack was taken over by Nestle, whereas Rose Petal is still owned by Packages and a leading brand of Tissue papers in Pakistan.
Established Foodstuff Trading Operation in Dubai, U.A.E
1995 - 1998
Product Development and Sourcing from established Supply Chains of multiple food items across multiple countries.
Also established Marketing, Sales and Distribution across U.A.E., with exports to other GCC countries.
Re-invented Food Catering business: Lahore, Pakistan
1986 - 1994
By giving innovative new style to the years old traditional way of catering.
This includes; 5 Star Outdoor Catering, plus established number of successful restaurants and Bakeries.
Marco Polo, Ghazal, The Pastry Shop, Mabaker and Xinhua Chinese Restaurant are some of the projects.
International Fertiliser Trading
1982 - 1986
From 1982 to 1986, I represented A.B Sukab, a Swedish company, in their barter trade dealings with Pakistan. Additionally, during this time period, I also worked for Agrico & Phoschem USA, a company that specializes in the agricultural and chemical sectors.
Specifically, I was responsible for representing the interests of both A.B Sukab and Agrico & Phoschem USA in the Pakistani market through barter trade and other business dealings.
International Shipping & Freight Forwarding
1980 - 1986 Worked in the international shipping and freight forwarding industry from 1980 to 1986, I had the opportunity to handle bulk shipments of wheat while representing Karl Gross, a German company that has been a leader in the industry since 1876. Karl Gross is a reputable and experienced company in the field of international shipping, and I had the opportunity to work with them and contribute to their ongoing success in the handling and transportation of Bulk wheat and other cargo in Pakistan.
Innovative Research
15 years of in-depth research on Organic Farming Patterns Analysis based on Clustering Methods; to identify viable solutions for organising organic producers’ groups and supply chains at county level.
My research aim was to evaluate which is the best networking solution for organic farmers in Pakistan. This statistical approach was based on multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering methods.
Research work also includes the market size, growth and potential of Organic Products within Pakistan, Middle East Gulf, North Africa and Europe.
Research encompasses; from interdisciplinary, to multidisciplinary research and innovation in emerging fields of agriculture and healthy foods. This includes; Theoretical, Exploratory, Explanatory, Qualitative, Quantitative, Primary, Secondary research, to Field researches.
Consultant/Advisor to
Lucky Snacks (Pvt) Ltd., Bahawalpur Pakistan
2012 – Till Date
Lucky Snacks are manufacturers of confectionery items and the brand is quite well established all across Pakistan, catering to middle and lower-middle end of market segments.