ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wastes $4 billion worth of food annually, equivalent to 26% of its total food production, according to a report released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
The report noted that most food items are wasted due to not meeting appearance, size, and color criteria, despite steps to ensure food security.
The majority of these excluded food items are wasted for various reasons. The report further highlighted that most food items stored in kitchens are also wasted every year after their expiry date.
Despite being an agricultural country, the South Asian country is facing a shortage of food items, particularly after recent floods and heavy rainfall.
To address this issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the implementation of the Kissan Package, which aims to develop the agricultural sector and ensure food security in the country.
The report’s findings are concerning, given that Pakistan is currently facing an economic crisis, and food waste further exacerbates the problem. The waste of food resources also has environmental implications, including the waste of water, land, and energy used to produce food.
Pakistan must implement better food management practices
Pakistan is not alone in facing this issue, as food waste is a global problem, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating that approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted. This waste is equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes, worth nearly $1 trillion.
Experts have suggested that Pakistan can address its food waste by implementing better food management practices, improving the cold chain system to prevent spoilage, and increasing public awareness of the issue. It is crucial to address food waste, as it has adverse impacts on the economy, environment, and food security.
The report’s findings call for urgent action to address the issue and ensure that food resources are used efficiently to address Pakistan’s food security challenges.
