Pakistan should make collective efforts to avoid wastage of food both at the household level and during the production, processing and storage in order to feed the flood-hit people.

“This is all the more important when reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood-hit areas continues and the affected population needs enough food to get through the hard times," stressed Julian Harnies, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations.

He was addressing an event on the theme of the World Food Day organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), reports WealthPK.

The event was jointly organised by World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), UN-Women, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), and federal Ministry of National Food Security & Research.

Julian Harnies said the catastrophic floods had exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition. He called for the international community to step up support for Pakistan’s flood response as 14.6 million people, especially children, pregnant and lactating women, were in desperate need of food. He also called for extending agriculture assistance, including seeds and fertiliser, to the flood-hit farmers.

The event participants noted that despite challenges in restoring flood-hit infrastructure and ensuring food security for the stricken population, there was formidable commitment and collaboration to that end. They noted that transformation of agriculture production systems was a must so that no one was deprived of the desired nutritious food.

On the occasion, Zafar Hassan, Secretary of Ministry of National Food Security, noted that destruction of Pakistan’s agricultural sector would be felt across the world as the country is one of the top producers and exporters of cotton and rice.

He highlighted that Pakistan’s agriculture sector contributed about 19% to national GDP, and generated employment opportunities for more than 35% of its people. He said that in the aftermath of floods the country is facing serious food and nutritional security issues and  resources and funds are needed to compensate for the loss of crops and livestock to farmers.

Zafar Hassan pointed out that the government was devising farmer-friendly policies, focusing on strengthening seed system, enhancing farm mechanisation, promoting value addition, minimising post-harvest losses and creating digital marketing platforms in order to provide relief to farmers and uplift the agriculture sector.

A special mime performance by Nighat Chaudhary, Pakistan’s renowned Kathak dancer, and her team was also part of the event. Their performance showcased the importance of food in people’s lives and the impact of floods on food security. A three-day photo exhibition on the importance of food, food security and climate resilient agriculture was also opened on the occasion. The event was attended by representatives of UN organisations, media, civil society, students and relevant government departments.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk