KARACHI:
Pakistan wastes approximately 26% of its food production annually, which is estimated to be 19.6 million tonnes worth $4 billion. To guarantee food security, eliminate hunger, and promote sustainable farming practices, it is essential to understand the existing state of food losses in Pakistan, its impacts, and possible solutions.
The main causes that contribute to the alarming level of food losses are improper handling at farm levels, lack of infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, lack of advanced packaging materials, pest infestations, environmental factors, market inefficiencies, insufficient cold chain systems, and consumer behaviours that result in significant deterioration and spoilage of perishable produce. Floods, droughts, and heat waves are just a few examples of extreme weather occurrences brought on by climate change that further exacerbate losses and raise the possibility of crop damage. Despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan struggles to provide wheat to the entire population because of losses that occur at various levels. Pakistan ranked 99 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2022. The country was categorised as having a serious level of hunger caused by food losses.
Comprehensive strategies must be adopted to reduce food losses. These can include the development of storage infrastructure facilities, modernised cold chains, efficient transportation networks, investments in research and education, the establishment of improved supply chains, providing farmers easy access to the market, and educating farmers on handling and managing crops and output effectively. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, food scientists, NGOs, and international organisations are crucial for addressing this major food security issue. Overcoming these challenges will not only benefit farmers and consumers but will also contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its citizens.
Samran Khalid
Bahawalnagar
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2023.
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