LAHORE, Feb 15 (APP):Convener of FPCCI Regional Committee on Food Shahid Imran has urged the government to modernise warehousing, introduce cold chain systems and promote food processing industries to convert surplus crops into exportable and value-added products.
Talking to a farmer delegation, led by Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad Arain here on Sunday, he said surplus essential crops should never be wasted at any cost, because such losses amount to squandering precious natural resources and hard-earned national wealth.
He asserted that Pakistan, being an agrarian economy, produces significant quantities of wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, fruit and vegetables. However, due to inadequate storage facilities, poor supply chain management and lack of value-addition, a considerable portion of surplus produce goes to waste every year. This, he noted, not only causes financial losses to farmers but also exerts unnecessary pressure on water, energy and land resources used in cultivation.
Shahid Imran said efficient post-harvest management and agro-processing zones can help stabilise prices, ensure food security and enhance farmers’ incomes. He suggested public-private partnerships to invest in silos, dehydration plants and packaging facilities. He added that by preventing wastage and utilizing surplus effectively, Pakistan can strengthen its food security, boost exports and protect its natural resources for future generations.