My
Journey to Promoting Organic Foods
Hello and welcome to PrefOrganic.com!
My name is Saqib Ali Ateel. I'm so glad you've found your way to my little corner of the internet, which is dedicated to organic food and sustainable living.
As I reflect while writing this page, I am reminded of Wendell Berry's wise words: "The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector, by which disease passes into health, age into youth, death into life." These words resonate deeply with me, and I'd love to share how my passion for the soil and organic foods has resulted in this website.
Growing up in a village in South Punjab, Pakistan, I was blessed to have been surrounded by nature's beauty. My childhood was spent watching my parents and grandparents tend to our family's farm, where they grew a variety of organic crops and raised livestock and poultry. Those early years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the land, the importance of sustainable living, and the value of hard work. I vividly remember helping my family in the fields, learning the intricacies of farming, and enjoying the fruits of our labor (literally!).
As I grew older, my love for nature led me to read William Wordsworth and get a degree in literature. Later, I joined public service. I also earned a degree from the esteemed Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. These experiences broadened my policy-making, governance, and leadership perspective, equipping me with the skills to seek meaningful change.
But my journey doesn't stop there. As I turned fifty, I began to reflect on my food choices and their impact on my health. This curiosity led me to explore the world of organic foods. I soon realized that the foods coming directly from fields were often as unhealthy as the processed and junk foods, or worse, due to dangerous chemical residues.
In 2020, I took on the Secretary of Agriculture South Punjab role, which has been an incredible privilege. This position has granted me access to the inner workings of the agricultural sector, allowing me to witness firsthand the impact of different cropping models, the effects of pesticides and fertilizers, and the benefits of organic foods. I've seen how efficient water-using techniques, orchard management, and weed management can make all the difference in sustainable farming practices.
However, my commitment to organic foods goes beyond my professional interest. Earlier, in 2019, I launched this website to promote the benefits of organic foods for human health, livestock, the environment, biodiversity, and future generations. This endeavor is deeply personal, as I've experienced the positive impact of organic foods in my own life.
As someone who grows kitchen vegetables at home, I can attest to the joy of nurturing life and watching it flourish. There's something therapeutic about getting my hands dirty, breathing in the fresh air, and savoring the taste of a homegrown meal. This experience has reinforced my conviction in the importance of organic foods, not just for our well-being but also for the health of our planet.
My journey was further enriched by studying the 'Stanford Introduction to Food and Health' course, authorized by Stanford University through Coursera. This course deepened my understanding of the intricate links between health and food. I was struck by the simplicity yet profoundness of the concept: food is medicine. This realization has fueled my passion for promoting organic foods. I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey.
As you explore this website, I invite you to join me on this path of discovery. Let's explore the world of organic foods together and uncover the secrets to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. I believe that by sharing our stories, experiences, and knowledge, we can create a community that values the well-being of both people and the planet.
In the words of Masanobu Fukuoka, "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." I couldn't agree more. As we strive to live in harmony with nature, let us remember that the soil is indeed the great connector of life. It is the source of our sustenance, the healer of our ailments, and the key to a brighter future.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to sharing more about the world of organic foods with you. I hope to create a more sustainable, healthier, and compassionate world together – one seed at a time.
Warm Regards
Saqib Ali Ateel
Join My Email List Here!
Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/preforganic
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/preforganic
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/saqibaliateel/organic-food/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saqib-ali-ateel
What's New?
-
What are iron fortified foods?
Iron fortified foods contain additional iron to help prevent deficiencies and support overall health, particularly in children and pregnant women. -
What are fortified foods?
What are fortified foods? How are they different from staple and common everyday foods? -
Baby Organic Food: “To be, or not to be, that is the question”
Baby organic food is free from insecticides, weedicides and residues of synthetic fertilizers thus much safer for babies
DOWNLOAD!