President calls for efforts to support farmers, improve nutrition, better use of agri-resources

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has called for sustained efforts to support farmers, improve nutrition and ensure the effective use of the country’s agricultural resources, saying progress towards food security depends on translating innovation into practical solutions that meet the needs of the people.

In his message on World Food Day, the president said achieving food security requires cooperation at national, regional and global levels.

Governments, researchers, the private sector and international partners must work together to advance innovation, strengthen food supply chains and address the challenges that threaten food security, he said adding that dialogue, cooperation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts are essential to creating conditions in which innovation can flourish and its benefits can reach people everywhere.

Emphasising the importance of ensuring food security for our people and strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to produce safe, nutritious and affordable food, the president said this year’s theme, “Innovate today, Nourish tomorrow,” highlights the role of science, technology and knowledge-sharing in improving agrifood systems and meeting the needs of present and future generations.

He said agriculture is central to Pakistan’s economy, food security and rural livelihoods. As an agriculturist and a grower, I know from my personal and family experience the importance of this sector and the challenges faced by those who depend on it.

Our farmers and food producers sustain the country through their hard work, but they face growing challenges from climate change, water scarcity, land degradation and rising production costs. Disruptions in food supply chains, alongside regional and global uncertainties, add to these pressures. Addressing these challenges is essential to protecting agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farming communities, the president said adding that we must modernise our agriculture and food sectors through scientific research, technological innovation and improved farming practices. This includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, conserving water and natural resources, adopting improved seeds and technologies and advancing mechanisation and digital solutions. We must also reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen value chains and improve farmers’ access to markets. Smallholder farmers, women and young people must have an active role in this process”.

Food security, he said requires more than adequate production. It means ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. When food becomes less affordable, families face greater difficulty in meeting their nutritional needs. Improving food safety, strengthening nutrition, reducing food loss and waste, and using our natural resources more efficiently must therefore remain important priorities. Particular attention is needed for communities most vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition.

The president added that innovation must address the practical challenges faced by our farmers. Modern science, digital technologies and improved agricultural practices, combined with the knowledge and experience of farming communities, can help increase efficiency, respond to climate-related challenges and conserve natural resources.

However, he said no matter how innovative we become, regional and global conflicts can disrupt food supply chains and undermine food security. Innovation alone cannot insulate our food systems from the effects of conflict. The benefits must be reflected in better livelihoods for farmers, improved access to nutritious food and a more secure food supply for the country.

Innovation and creativity thrive in a culture of peace, cooperation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Our pursuit of agricultural progress and food security must therefore go hand in hand with efforts to promote peace and resolve conflicts peacefully, the president added.