World Food Day observed: Food security vital to national stability

LAHORE:Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) in collaboration with Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and GAIN organised a national dialogue on World Food Day 2024 at a local hotel on Thursday.

The event gathered key stakeholders from the government, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss the pressing challenges surrounding food safety, food security, and the role of the dairy sector in securing Pakistan’s nutritional future.

The event underscored the importance of food security as vital to national stability and development. With millions across Pakistan facing food insecurity, initiatives that ensure access to safe and nutritious food are critical for the country’s progress.

World Food Day 2024 focused on global challenges related to food security, calling for collective action to ensure that everyone has access to adequate nutrition. Dairy plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s food security as a wholesome and nutrient-rich food source, essential for a healthy and growing future.

Dairy products contribute significantly to the nutrition of children and families and are key to both public health and the rural economy.

In his keynote speech, Dr Shehzad Amin, CEO of the Pakistan Dairy Association, emphasised that dairy is a vital food for proper growth and development but noted that the sector faces major challenges.

Usman Zaheer Ahmad, Chairman PDA, discussed the detrimental impact of the 18pc GST on packaged milk. He highlighted the severe impact on dairy farmers, whose revenues have drastically reduced, affecting their livelihoods.

Farmers are already struggling with rising feed costs, which have significantly increased production costs. Inadequate care for livestock due to financial constraints has resulted in lower milk yields, exacerbating the situation, he said.

Noor Aftab, head of Public Affairs and Government Relations at a firm said, “We are committed to enabling innovative packaging and processing solutions that ensure the safety and availability of food to everyone through a sustainable manner.”

Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities & Human Affairs, discussed the significant challenges to food security, particularly due to urbanization and a 12pc reduction in agricultural land. He called for concerted efforts to improve food production and access to nutritious food, especially for vulnerable populations.

Prof Dr Tallat Naseer Pasha, DG of Punjab Agriculture Drug & Food Authority, discussed the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring food safety, while Muhammad Asim Javaid, DG of Punjab Food Authority, shed light on addressing nutritional needs through safe food. Muhammad Wasif Saeed, DG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority, highlighted provincial initiatives for improving food safety and nutrition.