Skewed food basket

A recent assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation has uncovered a troubling imbalance in Pakistan's food supply, which has significant shortages of vegetables, fruits and pulses, while cereals and sugar exceed dietary requirements. The assessment also states that 60% of Pakistanis cannot afford a healthy diet. This reflects a fundamental failure of agricultural and food policies that have traditionally prioritised production volumes over nutritional requirements. The consequences are evident in the persistence of malnutrition and the growing incidence of diet-related diseases.

Pakistan adopted national dietary guidelines in 2018, yet little appears to have been done to align agricultural priorities with these recommendations. The widening supply gaps suggest that the country's food system is increasingly disconnected from the nutritional needs of its population. Excessive reliance on a limited range of crops has also restricted dietary diversity, particularly among low-income households that are compelled to prioritise affordability over nutrition. Rising food prices further aggravate this imbalance, placing essential dietary components beyond the purchasing power of millions. The problem, therefore, extends to the larger question of how food is produced, distributed and priced. Correcting this imbalance requires a fundamental reassessment of agricultural policy. Greater incentives must be provided for the cultivation of vegetables, fruits and pulses, alongside investments in market infrastructure to minimise post-harvest losses. Farmers should be encouraged to diversify production, while food distribution networks must be strengthened to ensure that nutritious produce reaches consumers at affordable prices. Nutrition must also become an integral consideration in agricultural planning rather than remain confined to public health campaigns.

With population growth expected to place additional pressure on food supplies, delaying reforms will only deepen existing nutritional inequalities. Pakistan needs a food policy that measures success not simply by how much is produced, but by how effectively it meets the dietary needs of its people.