Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan needs urgent reforms in crop planning, farming practices, and consumption patterns to address its growing food security challenges, said Dr. Zaffar Mehmood, Food Safety Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, while talking with Wealth Pakistan.

Highlighting the current situation, Dr. Zaffar referred to FAO’s recent “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025” report, which reveals that 60% of Pakistan’s population cannot afford a healthy diet.

He said climate change had aggravated the problem by reducing agricultural productivity. Rising temperatures not only lower yields but also affect food safety by increasing pests, diseases, and food-borne infections. Studies have also shown a decline in key nutrients like iron and zinc in the soil under high temperatures, he added.

Dr. Zaffar underscored the importance of research on drought-resistant and high-yield crop varieties. Research must be at the forefront, but unfortunately, resources and funding for R&D in Pakistan are limited, and this lack of investment in science is holding it back, he said. “Most of the time, organizations are understaffed or don't have enough funding. So, R&D funding is a major issue that we face, and most of the scientists keep complaining about this,” he said.

Despite being an agrarian economy, Pakistan continues to face food shortages due to weak planning and over-reliance on a few crops, Dr. Zaffar observed. Pakistan has focused too much on water-intensive and export-oriented crops like rice while neglecting dietary diversity. Smallholder farming has also become less profitable, worsening the problem, he noted.

According to him, modern farming techniques and climate-smart agriculture offer solutions to improve yields.

“These methods help save water, reduce inputs, improve soil fertility, and promote crop rotation. Choosing the right crop for the right region can significantly improve productivity,” he said. On reducing reliance on food imports, Dr. Zaffar stressed the need for both increased domestic production and changes in consumption patterns.

“About 70% of calories in Pakistan come from wheat, putting huge pressure on one commodity and contributing to malnutrition-related diseases like diabetes. Similarly, our very high per capita consumption of vegetable oil, 18 liters a year, burdens the import bill and increases heart disease risks,” he said. “That's a waste of a lot of resources, and that too causes a lot of diseases like heart disease. We need a shift in consumption patterns alongside production improvements,” he emphasized.

On regional comparisons, Dr Zaffar admitted that Pakistan lagged behind many South Asian countries. Some indicators may be better, but overall, malnutrition and food insecurity have worsened, especially after climate change and recurring droughts and floods, he added. “So, comparatively, I would say maybe we are good in some indicators, but other indicators have been going down in the last many years and haven't improved much,” he said.

He emphasized the crucial role of smallholder farmers in enhancing food security. If they return to traditional knowledge and diversify their crops, including home gardens, they can ensure affordable, safe, and nutritious food for their families. This would also reduce over-reliance on single crops, he suggested. Looking ahead, the FAO food safety specialist said the future depends on policy action.

“If Pakistan takes all the necessary steps with clear priorities, it can improve food security in the next 10 years, but it will require a concentrated national effort,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk