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HYDERABAD, Oct 20 (APP):National and international experts have expressed concern that Pakistan, including Sindh, was facing growing food insecurity as agricultural lands and productivity continue to decline.
They noted that despite being an agricultural country, the country’s agricultural exports remained low while imports were steadily rising. The experts warned that the effects of climate change had further endangered food security.
These remarks came during a seminar organized by the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, on Monday, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to mark World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
Addressing the seminar, Julius Muchimi, Head of FAO Sindh Office, highlighted FAO’s global and local efforts to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. He pointed out that food insecurity and malnutrition in Pakistan had become critical national challenges, especially in Sindh where water scarcity, poverty and weak agricultural practices compound the crisis.
“FAO is actively training small farmers in modern agricultural practices to help them cope with climate pressures and enhance yields, while empowering rural women through skill development, nutrition-focused food preparation and home-based agricultural activities,” he added.
Dean, Faculty of Crop Protection at SAU Prof. Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi said that food shortages and malnutrition were directly linked to agricultural production gaps and post-harvest losses, which in Pakistan can reach up to 40 percent. “Despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan struggles to safeguard its food systems, ranking among the nations facing significant food security challenges globally,” he noted.
Prof Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Director, University Advancement and Financial Assistance Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar said that the world was currently facing a major paradox, despite per capita food production being at its highest level in history, millions of people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. He cited the World Food Program’s 2024 data, noting that around 673 million people globally were suffering from undernourishment.
He stressed that governments must prioritize fair support prices, food accessibility and child nutrition, recognizing food not merely as a commodity but as a human right, a foundation of health and a source of dignity. He added that the excessive use of fertilizers and agrochemicals in crops was depleting the nutritional value of food.
Director, Institute of Food Science and Technology Dr Aijaz Hussain Soomro, emphasized that stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies remain major issues in Pakistan, with 40% of children stunted and widespread deficiencies of iron, vitamin A and iodine. He said the University is working with FAO, GAIN and KOICA to promote climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive food systems, praising the role of youth, student participation and innovative food product exhibitions during the event.
Other speakers included Industry representative Muhammad Nawaz Junejo, Dr Tahseen Fatima Miano, Dr Muhammad Imran Khatri and Ms Shahida, while FAO’s Dr Ashfaque Ahmed Nahiyoon was also present on stage.