Friday, 29 March 2024, 07:58:56 pm

Analysts urge for taking measures to improve food security in Pakistan
May 15, 2022

Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): Pakistan is considered among green zones in the world which is a good news. It is a good omen that Pakistan has been invited to attend the ministerial-level meeting on global food security in New York. It is an international platform where the world leaders will hold debates on some of the most critical issues faced by humanity. Unfortunately, climate change has become the biggest hurdle in achieving sustainable development goals and millions of people are at risk of food insecurity and poverty. There is a need to improve the agricultural sector to a vibrant and resilient scale so that it could withstand the impacts of climate change. Pakistan is an agricultural country has the world’s largest irrigation system and five rivers.  With population growing rapidly and poverty increasing even faster, food insecurity has become a major issue.

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad (Environmental Expert): Food insecurity is among the biggest challenges faced by the world. There is a dire need to devise long-term solutions with solid plans and we need to work on it at the basic level. The climate change has resulted in water scarcity in the entire region and Pakistan is among the countries expected to be more affected due to it. At this point of time, Cholistan desert is experiencing the worst conditions of drought and water scarcity. Same situation is being faced in some areas of KPK and northern regions. Planting trees can minimize the effects of climate change and it is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and its reward continues even after the death of the person who planted a tree. The projects like billion Tsunami Trees must continue as trees and plants are the prime source of environmental purification and beautification.

Dr. Noor Fatima (Economist): The government has taken certain difficult decisions despite the fact that the dollar is going strong against Pak rupee. Pakistan is once again gearing up to re-initiate talks with the IMF to restart the bailout program. The current government is making all out efforts to facilitate the masses but keeping petroleum prices unchanged also sends out wrong signals to the IMF. Pakistan at its end must immediately impose a ban on the luxury items.

Najam-ud-Din Sheikh (Former Ambassador): The developing countries like Pakistan will be badly affected due to climate change. Around 30 million tons of wheat flour is needed annually to feed our population. However, there are some inherent drawbacks as more than a million tons goes into seed usage and another million or two to retain strategic reserves. The agri experts are predicting that production of wheat will drop to twenty percent due to climate change. It is high time for the policymakers to reorient their food security strategy. The rich countries and the World Bank must support assistance packages for the developing countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.