KARACHI:
According to a World Bank report, six million Pakistanis are currently experiencing acute food insecurity as a result of the devastating floods that hit the country last year. The floods resulted in the death of more than 11 million livestock and the destruction of 9.4 million acres of cropland in the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh, which are already among the most food-insecure regions in the country.
The World Food Programme claimed that the number of people experiencing food insecurity is projected to increase to 8.5 million between September and December. Food prices have drastically risen in the last few months due to climate shocks, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and depreciation of the rupee. Essential food items are becoming less and less affordable for many people across the country. The floods disrupted food production and farmers will continue facing difficulties with the cultivation of crops on water-logged lands.
Emerging water scarcity and frequent droughts as well as heavy rainfall will severely impact food production in the coming years. In addition, the burgeoning inflation is further exhausting our limited resources. Many regions are already experiencing food shortages, malnourishment, and stunting. Therefore, the government must urgently act against the growing food insecurity. The international community must step in to support the Pakistani government to address food shortages. Pakistan should be given essential food items such as wheat and rice at lower prices to ensure affordability for the masses.
Faiza Abbas
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2023.
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