ISLAMABAD: Celebrating World Food Day on Thursday, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, especially amid global challenges like hunger, climate change and economic disparities.

Speaking at the special event at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain said: “Our commitment to national food security is unwavering, as we aim to implement inclusive policies that ensure every citizen has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.”

The government is committed to enhancing cooperation with national and international institutions to ensure safe food for all, he said.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, alongside the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), came together at NARC to celebrate ‘World Food Day’, together with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain honored the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, and Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan.

The event brought together participants from high-ranking government officials, academia, research institutions, UN agencies, and students from various educational institutions.

UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya highlighted theme of the day and emphasized food as a fundamental human right for survival, health, and dignity. With 40 per cent of Pakistan’s population facing food insecurity, urgent action is needed. Students, who make up over 60 per cent of the population, are keys to driving change.

FAO Country Representative in Pakistan, Florence Rolle emphasized the critical role of sustainable practices, collaborative policies, and community engagement in fostering resilient food systems. “With over 783 million people facing food insecurity globally, events like these serve as platforms for fostering dialogue and collaboration, bringing us closer to a future where everyone’s right to adequate food is fully realised,” Rolle remarked.

The nationwide World Food Day campaign in Pakistan concluded with the event that emphasised the importance of food security and sustainable agri-food systems through activities involving students, local farmers, and community participants.

The campaign featured awareness walks, interactive sessions, and food-related competitions, promoting a collaborative approach among government, the private sector, and communities to enhance access to nutritious food. The event highlighted the necessity of a multi-sector strategy to address food security, advocating for policies that uphold food rights, equitable resource distribution, and safety nets for vulnerable groups.

In his message on World Food Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture, and the well-being of people. “Our farmers are the backbone of the food system, who with their dedication and hard work, ensure that we have enough to eat, and we are committed in supporting them with policies that focus on innovation, sustainability, and modernization in the agricultural sector,” he said.

The government is facilitating farmers to equip themselves with the technology they need to thrive in today’s world, including access to modern agricultural machines, improved infrastructure, and better market access.

The government has undertaken significant steps to transform our food system. Through initiatives such as the introduction of new agri-tech solutions, and efforts to boost food processing and storage, we aim to reduce food waste, enhance food safety, and ensure that our food systems are resilient in the face of global challenges.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2024