President urges push to curb food waste

As the country observes International Day of Zero Waste on Monday (today), President Asif Ali Zardari has called for collective and practical efforts at every level—from farms and markets to distribution and consumption—to significantly reduce food loss and waste.

In his message, he said that the International Day of Zero Waste is observed this year with a focus on food waste. "We are reminded of a challenge that carries serious implications for our country and for the wider world. Reducing food loss and waste must become a practical priority at every stage," he said.

"For many families, this issue is not abstract. Food that spoils before reaching markets, harvests damaged because of poor storage, or large quantities of cooked food discarded after events, all represent resources that could have been used more responsibly," he emphasised.

"At a time when households are managing tight budgets and food prices remain a concern, reducing waste is closely tied to the daily wellbeing of ordinary citizens," he said, adding that food that goes to waste also means the loss of water, land, energy and labour used to produce it.

The president said when discarded food ends up in landfill, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and adds further pressure on the environment. "Addressing food waste is therefore closely linked to both food security and the wider challenge of climate change."

As an agrarian economy, Zardari stressed that Pakistan must pay particular attention to the losses that occur between the farm and the market. Better post-harvest handling, reliable storage facilities and stronger cold-chain systems can significantly reduce spoilage, he emphasised.

At the same time, he underscored that markets, local administrations and charitable organisations should work together to ensure that surplus food reaches vulnerable communities .

(With input from APP)