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Saturday, 23 November 2013

LIFE IS NOT A TRIAL, IT’S A TASK                         Abdul Samad Sahito

By: Kulsoom

Eleanor Roosevelt once famously uttered “Future belongs to those, who believe in the beauty of their Dreams”. Abdul Samad Sahito, aged 22 considered the quote as principle for career. He saw a dream to upgrade the lives of deprived farmers. The dream, not only belongs to him but to the entire farmer community of Sindh, who are suffering just because of unfairness and malfeasance of powerful middlemen. Samad has been administering the organization Zaraei Ootaque as Chief Financial Officer since 15 April 2012.

He initiated the effort along with his friend cum business partner Umair Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Zaraei Ootaque. Indeed, Entrepreneurship is not an easy task, especially if a person lacks financial resources. It was their passion and faith that compelled them to do it. Their struggle made the mission accomplished.

 According to Samad, “Farmers of Sindh are facing lots of troubles and hardship as they are less educated and unaware about modern farming methods. Their profit is often snipped by middlemen. Therefore, pulling them out of this dilemma became the ambition of my life.”

His journey started from scholarship program named as “Talent Hunt Program”. He availed the opportunity and gave exam for the scholarship. Fortunately, he got admission in Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (SIBA), Finance department.

At the end of 5^th semester Samad realized it’s the right time to do something bigger. Thus, he participated in Business Plan Competition. At this point he joined Umair Malik, a student of Entrepreneur Department. They shared great chemistry and twosome formulated business plan of Zaraei Ootaque, a business venture that aimed to promote the agricultural sector, and solve the agricultural problems faced by farmers. 

Unfortunately they did not win. Nevertheless, they did not give up. “Umair discussed the idea of project with his father Nazir Ahmed who is an agricultural expert. He supported them morally and was willing to provide his skills for their project.” Samad said.

Launching ceremony of Zaraei Ootaque was decided to be held on 15th April 2012. The preparations were almost done. They needed money for the payments. They asked Umair’s father for the help as he pledged to help them, but then he refused. Samad shared, “we had lost almost all the hopes, but instead giving up we recalled why we started. I recharged my phone and made calls to everyone from where we were expecting money.”

Finally, the day arrived when their dream came true.  15^th April 2012 was a milestone of their life’s journey. With the support of Director SIBA, Nisar Ahmed Siddique, they successfully launched their organization Zaraei Ootaque in Choondilko, Talka Nara Khairpur.

According to Samad, “Undoubtedly luck plays vital role in life and entrepreneurship particularly. Luck is something you are blessed with.” Luckily at the same day they got the order of cotton seeds of worth 1.5 million. 

The organization is serving the agricultural sector with honesty and integrity. “In Nature, We Trust” is their motto, and to promote agricultural sector is their mission. “Zaraei Ootaque is moving forward with full swing. Currently quality Seeds, pesticides, micronutrients and Fertilizers are being provided to farmers and landlords at interest free credit. Moreover, we are providing free consultancy in which training is being given to farmers on modern farming methods”, Samad stated.

Furthermore, they are working as Distributor, Producer and Intermediary between farmers and market.

Over and above, they have 400 registered customers, 200 acre land on lease and more than 50 farm houses. For personal selling they have skilled sales persons. They also arrange “Zaraei Kachehri” and “Gadjani” (seminars for consultancy and training).

That was just the beginning and their journey is going on. Samad said, recently they have got “Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2012” by SIBA.” Moreover they have applied in two business model competitions titled as “Prime Minister Entrepreneurship Challenge 2013” in which they have been selected in top five. While, the other one is “Start up Cup Pakistan”.

According to Samad, “Success is not related with money or how rich you are. It is related with happiness & inner peace.” Zaraei Ootaque is not just a business; it is something beyond which he could not explain through words. Abdul Samad advises to young entrepreneurs that Life is not a trial, it’s an activity & activity brings problem. All the individuals are facing hardships, acrid & acute situations in their lives. But if one has strong conviction in himself & His Lord (Allah) will surely be remarkable.”

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