UN FAO urges natural water resources’ security

Also stresses on capacity building of farmers, improving cereal crop production

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General Dr Jose Graziano da Silva has urged authorities to ensure security of natural water resources and their efficient utilisation for sustainable food security in the country.

He met Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan on Wednesday, along with representatives of provincial agriculture departments and other authorities in Islamabad and discussed in detail crop production and demand supply trends all over the world and explained the issues at hand that are common to all farmers and agriculture sector globally.

The FAO chief stressed on the issue of securing natural water resources and their efficient consumption, technical capacity building of farmers, improvement of cereal crop production and its utilisation around the world.

He also showed concern over livestock consumption and urged on ensuring healthy and hygienic meat. “The FAO has already started coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) in this connection,” he said.

Da Silva advised representatives from all provinces of Pakistan to help the organisation combat these issues and requested the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research to develop better and efficient coordination among provinces; especially with regard to water resource management and cereal crop production.

Bosan ensured the FAO DG that Pakistan stood with and fully supported the organisation and its efforts in improving the agriculture sector and in eradicating pests and diseases of agro-related commodities and livestock.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2016.

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