‘33% population in Pakistan malnourished’

Experts say effective steps needed to overcome crisis

FAISALABAD: It is a bitter reality that despite achieving surplus productivity in crops, at least 33% population in Pakistan is malnourished.

This was said by University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar A Khan on Thursday. He was addressing a training programme on agricultural commodities analysis which was arranged by US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, UAF, at the Video Conference Room.



He said, “We have to take effective measures to ensure nutrition security.” He added, “We have to raise awareness about balanced diet, food habits and healthy living.”

The vice-chancellor maintained the country had a suitable environment to grow 500 crops, however only five major crops were being cultivated.

Iqrar said, “We are losing grains at 16% and fruit and vegetables at 40% in the post-harvest process due to weak system.” He called for improving the mechanism of storage.

He pointed out with the passage of time, per capita water availability was decreasing, posing a threat to the food security. He said agricultural land was also diminishing and being converted into small units.



On the occasion, USPCAS chief Dr Bashir Ahmad said, “Pakistan is spending heavy amount worth Rs41.49 billion on the import of pulses whereas our production on the pulses is Rs15.83 billion.” He said if we promote cultivation, we could become self sufficient and overcome import.

Dr Umar Farooq from the Pakistan Agriculture and Research Council said there was a need to stop or impose duty on import of agricultural produces from India. He said import from India was provoking a low profit margin for our farmers.

Dr Mubashir Mehdi, Dr Abdul Ghafoor, Dr Hammmad Badar and Dr Waseem Ahmad also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2016.