Federal Minister for National Food and Security Syed Fakhar Imam addressed a conference on “Food Security vis-à-vis Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan: Policy Outcomes and Prospects”which was Jointly organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan and MNS University of Agriculture, Multan on 6th October, 2021.
Chief Guest of the Conference His Excellency Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan stated that it is a privilege and honor to be amongst the leading agriculture experts and scientists. Pakistan is a country blessed with the agro-economic zones. We have one of the most extensive irrigation system in the world. Currently, we are using 1/4th of our geographical land for cultivation of five major crops which is still dominated by wheat. 38% of our population is employed in the agro-economic sector which increases the significance of this sector. Pakistan has incomparable taste ad aroma of fruits which cannot be found in any other part of the world. His Excellency stated that Pakistan needs to upgrade agriculture sector through use of modern technology. We can apply different methodologies on smaller areas and that can be replicated on larger scale upon success to multiply its benefits for the people of Pakistan. We have youth that is committed to take agroeconomic sector to new heights. 60% of our total exports depends upon cotton and 70% of the edible oil comes from cotton. This year, we had record production in many crops and by next year more people would invest in this sector.
Guest of Honor of the Conference His Excellency Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi, Provincial Minister of Punjab for Agriculture, Government of Pakistan stated that as far as food security is concerned, it has always remained a threat to mankind. Various scientists and philosophers have also been warning about the threats related to food, agriculture security and climate change. Food security threat has always existed; however, the dimensions of this threat have changed due to other factors particularly climate change. Pakistan is the 10th largest country to produce agriculture commodities, at the same time, we are the 6th largest country by population. If we compare, the world food growth is not more than 1.5%. Therefore, the policymakers must come up with innovative ideas to bridge this gap. Pakistan is a signatory of Sustainable Development Goals and has committed to provide safe and healthy food to its citizens and I hope that our policymakers, academia and scientist will put efforts to fulfill our nations requirements.
The Conference commenced with the opening remarks of Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting and Vice President (Federal Region), Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. He stated that food security is directly related to agriculture and agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan. This sector accounts for 19% of the GDP and the export of agro-based products comprise of the 80% of Pakistan’s export.
Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan in his welcome remarks and stated that food security means everyone has access to sufficient and safe food even in times of crisis. Food Security is a serious non-traditional security challenge globally and for Pakistan, because many households suffer from food insecurity as per a recent study. This becomes particularly serious for children. Even though Pakistan already has a comparatively strong food production sector, its agricultural potential is much bigger and needs to be used for its people. Dr, Kudella stated that our Conference intends to connect relevant stakeholders from the farmer in the field to the highest level of policymakers. We want to provide constructive suggestions to policy makers that are based on research and evidence.
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (TI), Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan stated that today’s Conference covers all the important aspects and we have competent speakers who will share their expert opinions. In 21st century, nontraditional threats have risen. The road to the progress of food security has been bumpy but, the improvements have been tremendous. He stated that we should have production diversity and environmental sustainability. We must educate people regarding eating habits an achieving balance in food consumption. Traditional and nontraditional threats are interconnected. On threat destabilizes the other and changing climate is the biggest challenge to food security.
Prof. Dr. Usman Mustafa, Team Leader, Barani Water Conservation Project, ME&I Consultants MFS&R, Government of Pakistan stated that food security means everyone has at all times, access to and control over sufficient quantities of good quality food for an active, healthy life. More than any other sector, agriculture is the common thread which holds the 17 SDGs together. Investing in this sector can address not only hunger and malnutrition but also other challenges including poverty; water and energy use; climate change; and unsustainable production and consumption. He stated that there is lot of scope with minimum investment. Reduce poverty and increase employment.
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