Meet our member: Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Working alongside our members to feed the world. Sustainably.

SRP, together with our members and partners, is dedicated to transforming the global rice sector throughout the entire value chain for a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable future. In this interview series we ask SRP members and partners why they joined SRP, the main trends and developments they see in the industry, as well as their vision for the sector.

In this interview, Hafiz Jilani, Manager SRP at Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd., discusses the company’s deep-rooted history in the grain business, its commitment to sustainability, and its innovative approach to rice production. He highlights the company’s adoption of SRP’s best practices, including water-saving technologies, pest management strategies, and initiatives to empower women. The conversation looks at Meskay & Femtee’s sustainability challenges, future ambitions, and vision for leading sustainable rice production by 2025.

Company Name: Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Contact: Hafiz Jilani, Manager SRP
Country: Pakistan
Countries of operation: Pakistan
SRP member since: 2022
Primary Activity: Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. serves in multiple roles within the food industry, including as a Producer, Miller, Distributor, Processor, Trader, and Exporter.

1. Tell us about your company, your mission, and why sustainability is important for you?

Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. (MFTC), founded by Mr. Shahid Tawawalla in 2006, carries a rich legacy in the grain business that dates back to 1936. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Mr. Wahid F. Tawawalla and CEO Mr. Shahid Tawawalla, MFTC operates state-of-the-art milling facilities with the capacity to process up to 3,000 MTs of rice daily across five major mills. The company proudly holds SEDEX, HACCP, and ISO 9001:2008 certifications, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in all its operations.

Our mission is to transform rice production through sustainability and innovation. We believe that the future of agriculture lies in practices that not only meet today’s demand but also protect and nurture our planet for future generations. This commitment drives us to adopt eco-friendly solutions, improve soil health, and optimize resource use, all while minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We champion Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce chemical reliance and proudly support the cultivation of indigenous Basmati varieties with minimal pesticide use. Our approach is holistic, focusing on long-term agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental preservation. Through meaningful collaborations and impactful initiatives—such as farmer training in laser land leveling for water efficiency and techniques to reduce methane emissions—we aim to create lasting, positive change. For us, sustainability is not just a strategy; it’s a responsibility to the land, the farmers, and the future of rice production.

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

Joining the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) was a strategic move for MFTC to align with global sustainability standards. Our goal was to drive impactful change in rice production while improving the livelihoods of farming communities. We became an SRP member in 2022, committing to adopting best practices, enhancing resource efficiency, and contributing to a more sustainable future for agriculture. The SRP’s framework provides invaluable support in helping us achieve these goals.

3. What opportunities do you see for your company and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

Being part of the SRP offers MFTC and its value chain stakeholders the opportunities to enhance sustainability practices, access training, leverage cutting-edge resources, and strengthen market positioning by adhering to global standards. This collaboration also facilitates improved resource efficiency and fosters partnerships for long-term success in sustainable rice production.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

MFTC has undertaken several initiatives aligned with SRP standards, including the implementation of water-saving technologies, such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), laser land leveling, women’s economic empowerment (WWE), and sustainable integrated pest and disease management practices (IPM) in rice cultivation. Our involvement with SRP includes participating in training programs, adopting SRP’s best practices, and contributing to collaborative projects aimed at improving sustainability across the rice value chain. This engagement helps us enhance environmental stewardship and achieve greater efficiency in our operations.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your company? If so, what challenges have you faced?

Yes, implementing SRP standards at MFTC has presented numerous challenges, such as adapting existing processes to meet new sustainability criteria and managing the initial costs of technology upgrades. Additionally, aligning all stakeholders across the value chain with SRP practices and ensuring consistent compliance have required significant effort and coordination. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits for sustainability and efficiency make the effort worthwhile.

6. Tell us about the future. What are your company’s vision and ambition for the sustainable development of the rice sector, and how could SRP help you achieve this ambition?

MFTC aims to set new benchmarks in environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. SRP’s comprehensive framework and resources will be instrumental in achieving this vision, providing us with the tools and guidance needed to implement best practices, drive innovation, and foster collaboration across the industry.

7. From your point of view, why should more companies and industry actors join SRP? Do you have any advice or recommendations for them?

Joining SRP enables companies to align with global sustainability standards by adopting eco-friendly practices, improving resource efficiency, and addressing social issues such as gender equality and climate resilience. SRP’s tools and network support collaboration and innovation, making it easier to tackle industry challenges. Engaging with SRP not only enhances your operations but also strengthens the sustainability of the entire rice sector.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

By 2025, MFTC envisions becoming a leader in sustainable rice production by significantly expanding resource efficiency, enhancing eco-friendly practices, and supporting a growing number of farmers. Our goal is to integrate cutting-edge technologies, promote social responsibility, and drive innovation to achieve long-term environmental and economic benefits for the rice sector.

Find out more about Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd.:

Website: www.mft.com.pk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mftc-pakistan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFTC.Pakistan

If you are an SRP member and would like to be part of our “Meet our Members” series, please contact Roong Tepkaew at roong.tepkaew@sustainablerice.org. We share these interviews on our website, in our newsletter and on our social media channels.