Govt, WFP to work together for food security

MoU signed to implement WFP-supported activities in the province

LAHORE: The provincial government on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Nations World Food Programme for the implementation of WFP supported activities across the province under its three-year Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation – Transition: Towards Resilient and Food-Secure Pakistan.

Planning and Development (P&D) Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and WFP Pakistan Country Director Lola Castro signed the agreement at the P&D Complex, Lahore.

P&D Board Chairman Jahanzeb Khan said under the MOU, support on issues related to policy making, advocacy support and strategic technical assistance would be provided to School Education, Food and Health Departments, the Punjab Social Protection Authority and the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The activities would help make the Punjab a food-secure province, he said. He said the government was committed to meeting the zero-hunger challenge by 2030. For the purpose, he said, the government would provide resources and technical assistance to the WFP.

Sahoo said the government had been focusing on emergency preparedness, nutrition and strategic grain reserves. In the Punjab, the WFP interventions have been targeting the most vulnerable population groups. P&D Health Member Shabana Haider said the WFP had been helping the government address issues related to food security and malnutrition.

Lola Castro said, “Policy, advocacy and capacity-enhancement initiatives will be based on partnerships with relevant authorities… for ensuring food security.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th,  2016.