NA Committee on Food Security meets

ISLAMABAD, Jun 08 (APP): National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met on Monday with Syed Tariq Hussain in chair and discussed matters relating to agriculture sector development in the country.

Representatives of the Multan Mango Growers Association briefed the committee on the significant decline in mango production in recent years.

They expressed concerns that artificial sweeteners used in beverages have adversely impacted demand for natural mango pulp-based products.

It was further stated that prior to 2021, natural mango pulp was widely utilized in juice production; however, subsequent regulatory changes by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), which permitted the increased use of artificial additives and chemical sweeteners, have contributed to reduced consumption of natural mango-based products and may be linked to long-term public health concerns.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination presented findings from the National Institute of Health (NIH), indicating potential adverse health effects associated with the frequent consumption of synthetic beverages, particularly among children.

The committee was also informed that several international health and food safety authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have raised concerns regarding artificial sweeteners and their potential health risks.

It was further highlighted that reduced demand for natural mango pulp has negatively affected the local agro-industry, contributing to financial losses for farmers.

The committee noted that national mango production has declined from approximately 2.2 million tons to 1.8 million tons in recent years, raising concerns regarding agricultural productivity and market stability.

The Minister for National Food Security and Research assured the Committee that a comprehensive consultation would be convened with all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industries and Production, mango growers’ associations, and juice manufacturers.

The objective would be to develop a balanced and evidence-based policy framework, with recommendations to be submitted to the Committee.

The committee further directed the Ministry of National Health Services to formally communicate with the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to review and, where necessary, revise the standards governing artificial sweeteners in light of NIH findings and WHO guidelines.

It was also recommended that the proportion of mango pulp in juice products be increased from 5 percent to 10 percent, and that mandatory labeling be introduced to clearly state that products containing artificial sweeteners should not be consumed by children under the age of 14.

The committee held a detailed discussion on mango exports, including potential trade routes, export destinations, and international trade challenges.

Members emphasized the importance of timely coordination among relevant ministries and stakeholders to enhance export performance.

The committee expressed concern that restrictions on mango exports prior to June 1 had resulted in significant losses to farmers, particularly in Sindh, where early harvest varieties were ready for export approximately 15 days earlier.

It was also noted that regulatory gaps had allowed the use of harmful chemicals such as carbonate-based substances in mango ripening and handling, posing potential health risks to consumers.

The committee recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research initiate correspondence with provincial governments to take strict action against the use of hazardous chemicals in fruit ripening and handling.

Furthermore, it was agreed that the export calendar for mangoes should be determined on a scientific and region-specific basis to avoid unnecessary delays and economic losses.

The committee also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce to actively explore and expand new export markets for Pakistani agricultural products, with particular focus on China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, all of which were identified as high-potential destinations for enhanced agricultural trade.

The meeting was attended by Members of National Assembly MNAs) including Waseem Qadir, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Nadeem Abbas, Abdul Qadir Khan, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Zulfiqar Ali Behanand Usman Ali.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and senior officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, Food Authority, and the representative from Punjab Agriculture Department also attended the meeting.