KARACHI: More than 60 percent of Pakistanis are unable to afford a healthy diet, according to Rizwan Niazi, the Additional General Secretary of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Sindh. Niazi highlighted the issue during a recent statement, citing a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) that underscores significant concerns about the country's agricultural policies and food availability.
According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Niazi pointed out that despite Pakistan's substantial agricultural output, a large portion of the population remains deprived of a balanced diet. He criticized current agricultural policies for focusing mainly on overall production rather than addressing public nutritional needs and ensuring access to a balanced diet. Even with an abundance of cereals and sugar, shortages of essential items like vegetables, fruits, and pulses persist.
Niazi called for a comprehensive review of agricultural planning to introduce policies aimed at ensuring affordable and nutritious food for consumers while also improving farmers' incomes. He referred to the dietary guidelines introduced in 2018, noting that they have yet to effectively meet the country's nutritional requirements. The FAO report, covering the period from 2010 to 2023, indicates a growing gap between the demand for and availability of fruits and vegetables.
The PTI leader warned that factors such as population growth, climate change, and water scarcity would exacerbate challenges in the agriculture sector, increasing pressure on food production. He emphasized that access to healthy food is a public health concern, with nutritional deficiencies and poor diets particularly affecting children and low-income households, raising the risk of diet-related diseases.
Niazi also addressed the issue of rising food prices, which compel poorer families to resort to cheaper alternatives, making it harder for them to incorporate essential food items into their meals. He advocated for reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing storage and transportation facilities, as inadequate infrastructure hampers farmers from receiving fair prices and raises costs for consumers.
In conclusion, Niazi urged the government to invest in improving cold storage, packing centers, food processing facilities, and efficient wholesale markets to enhance farmers' incomes and ensure the supply of fresh, nutritious food at affordable prices.