Arooj Zulfiqar

Enhanced grain storage facilities are vital to preserve grain quality and ensure a reliable food supply, M Azeem Tariq, Senior Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), told WealthPK.

“Pakistan is taking significant steps to address food insecurity and reduce the post-harvest losses by modernizing its grain storage infrastructure. Lack of efficient storage facilities has long plagued the agriculture sector, leading to substantial losses in both quality and quantity of harvested grains. “This issue is particularly pressing in a country where a significant portion of population faces nutritional challenges, and the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the economy. The post-harvest losses in Pakistan are a major concern.

Factors such as exposure to pests, moisture, and contamination contribute to these losses, which not only waste valuable resources but also destabilize food supplies and prices.” “Most of the existing storage facilities rely on outdated methods, including open-air storage and basic silos, which are neither efficient nor equipped to meet the global standards,” he said. “Recognizing these challenges, the government has introduced various initiatives aimed at modernizing grain storage. Additionally, the private sector has started playing a crucial role in this transformation.

The companies are investing in modern storage solutions such as temperature-controlled silos, automated monitoring systems, and improved fumigation techniques.” The NARC scientist said public-private partnerships are a promising model for addressing the gaps in storage capacity and efficiency. These partnerships not only bring in the much-needed capital but also introduce innovation and expertise to the sector. “The impact of improved grain storage facilities goes beyond reducing the losses.

For farmers, it means greater flexibility in deciding when to sell their produce, potentially securing better prices and reducing financial stress. For consumers, a stable supply of grains throughout the year helps stabilize prices and improve access to food. At the national level, reducing wastage contributes to economic growth and strengthens the resilience of agriculture sector.”

Azeem further said, “To fully realize the benefits of modernized storage, Pakistan needs a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding the network of advanced storage facilities, training farmers and storage operators, and incentivizing the adoption of innovative technologies. Stronger regulatory frameworks are also essential to ensure food safety and quality across the supply chain.” Modernization of grain storage facilities represents a significant step forward toward addressing Pakistan’s food security challenges.

By reducing inefficiencies and building a resilient food system, the country can better meet the needs of its growing population, empower its farmers, and enhance the sustainability of its agriculture sector. This initiative is a critical component of Pakistan’s broader efforts to ensure a secure and prosperous future for its people.

Credit: INP-WealthPk