Seed to Table

Seeding Innovation: National Foods Incubates a Standalone Agribusiness

Seed to Table began as an internal sustainability and sourcing program out of necessity from learnings and challenges of a global crisis and supply chain constraints magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, National Foods Limited responded to the pressing need by initiating a unique project “Seed to Table”.

It was aimed at improving traceability, reducing import reliance, and supporting local farming communities, and has now matured into a full-fledged venture with a bold mission: to reimagine farming and agri-value chains in Pakistan.

The project began in August 2023, with transplantation commencing in October 2023, moving into the harvest phase from February 2024 onwards. National Foods leadership saw an opportunity to transform adversity into innovation, and recognize and reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported raw materials, particularly the annual import of nearly USD 10 million worth of tomato paste.

Fueled by the vision of reshaping Pakistan's agricultural landscape, the initiative became more than just a project; it served as a beacon of inspiration, significantly contributing to improving Pakistan's image on the global agricultural front.

Through formal partnerships with progressive farm-managing companies, National Foods Limited empowered local farmers and fortified the tomato value chain. As seeds were sown and partnerships blossomed, the impact began to unfold. Farming practices were enhanced, yields flourished, and farmers were equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.

At the Forefront of Agricultural Innovation

In the endeavour spanning hundreds of acres for tomatoes and later red chilli cultivation, vital partnerships were forged to ensure success at every step. Collaborating with esteemed entities and leveraging their expertise to optimize farming practices and supporting Agriculture in Pakistan. To enhance efficiency and precision, satellite imagery for farm management, drone services, and parametric-based crop insurance, safeguarding farmers against unforeseen challenges.

PBC Case Seed to Table is a noteworthy National Foods’ case study in The State of Pakistan's Agriculture 2024 report by Pakistan Business Council (PBC) and Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC). National Foods also won the “Responsible Investment Award” for this initiative at the 14th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Award, registered with IPO Government of Pakistan.

The Seed to Table project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. National Foods Limited sowed the seeds of a brighter, more sustainable future for Pakistan, cultivating a world where every seed represents the promise of tomorrow.

Recognizing the scalability, impact, and long-term potential of this approach, National Foods strategically incubated the project into an independent entity; Verdora Ventures - focused on large-scale contract and corporate farming, crop aggregation, and the development of new value chains for import-substitution crops such as tomatoes, ginger, chilies, and turmeric.

With a growing network of farmers, agri-specialists, and on-ground teams across key agricultural zones, the independent entity is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening local food systems, enabling sustainable supply chains, and laying the foundation for future processing and exports.