ISLAMABAD: World Food Day 2022 was celebrated at an event on Friday, October 14, with the participants noting that while the challenges of restoration of flood impacts, food security and climate change remain formidable, there is also more awareness, commitment and collaboration behind efforts for the restoration and rehabilitation of flood affected people, and the transformation of agri systems so that better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life could be ensured for everyone and no one is left behind.
The event was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and was organized by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) along with the World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN-Women, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), and Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Speaking on occasion, Mr Julien Harneis, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Pakistan, talked about the importance of food and how every celebration in life revolves around food. However, he stressed the fact that many people do not have enough to eat and particularly after the floods, food insecurity and malnutrition are rising as existing vulnerabilities are intensified.
He stressed that on this World Food Day, we as a nation must address food wastage, not only at an individual household level but also in how we produce, process and store food in Pakistan. As we go forward with the efforts of reconstruction and rehabilitation, we must ensure that building better and more efficient food systems is included in that process.
Mr. Zafar Hassan, Secretary Ministry of National Food and Security, highlighted the fact that the damage to Pakistan’s agricultural sector would also be felt across the globe. Pakistan is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of cotton and rice, which the flood destroyed. He further said that agriculture has special importance for Pakistan’s economy, which at present is contributing about 19 per cent to the national GDP, and generating employment opportunities for more than 35 per cent of the labour force. Currently, we are facing serious challenges for food and nutritional security that needs enough resources and funds to compensate for the loss of crops and livestock to our farmers.
However, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research is making extensive efforts to meet these challenges in an effective manner. In order to provide relief to the farmers and uplift the agriculture sector, the government is devising farmer-friendly policies, focusing on strengthening the seed system, enhancing farm mechanization, promoting value addition, minimizing post-harvest losses and creating digital marketing platforms. On behalf of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (NFS and R), he appreciated FAO’s support and technical assistance in developing and implementing agricultural policies.
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 our lives and the impact of floods on food security. The event ended on a note of thanks by Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Ali, Chairman of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and the inauguration of a three-day photo exhibition on the importance of food, food security and climate resilient agriculture. The exhibition will remain open to the public till October 16. The event was well attended by representatives of the international community, UN organizations, media, civil society, students and relevant government departments.