A day-long workshop titled "Zinc Deficiency through Biofortification of Wheat" was held in Islamabad today (Wednesday). 

The speakers said Pakistan is facing serious challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity.  

They said climate change and recent flood in the country have created further threats to deteriorate the situation.

Member Plant Science Division at Pakistan Agriculture Research Council Dr. Imtiaz Hussain said wheat constitutes over 70 percent of the diet of common Pakistanis. Biofortification of Wheat is the most suitable, cost effective and sustainable strategy for addressing Zinc deficiency.

He said the government of Pakistan has included biofortification as a part of its strategies to address malnutrition in the country.

Mubarak Ali Sarwar, CEO AGAHE asked the media to play its due role in raising awareness among farmers and other value chain actors about the significance of the biofortification of wheat in addressing zinc deficiency. 

Director Programs and Regulations at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai expressed his support for mainstreaming biofortification in public policies.

The workshop was attended by a large number of agriculture scientists, health professionals, UN agencies, civil society representatives, and representatives of print and electronic media.