While expressing concerns over the rising threat to food security and environment degradation coupled with malnutrition in Pakistan, experts at a seminar have emphasized the need for practical measures to ensure capacity building as well as better agriculture by using smart use of technology.
The one-day seminar was organized by the Awaz CDS Pakistan, Pakistan Development Alliance, Quaid-e-Azam University, VSO Pakistan and UKAid at the Quaid-e-Azam University with a focus to highlight the environmental impacts as well as threat to food security and propose sustainable suggestions.
MNA Naureen Farooq Ibrahim, Chief Executive Awaz CDS Pakistan Zia ur Rehman, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, QAU, Safia Ahmed, and Chairman Environmental Sciences, QAU, Dr. Sohail Yousaf; Prof Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences, ARID University Dr. Asif Ahmed, addressed the seminar. Country Director Hashoo Foundation, Ayesha Khan; and Country Director Sightsavers Pakistan, Munazza Gillani, were also among the panellists.
In his remarks, Zia ur Rehman said that the climate change is a constant threat to life, agriculture and sustainability in Pakistan where over 65 per cent population is dependent on agriculture. “Food security is the major challenge that needs to be overcome by finding out sustainable solutions,” he said.
He urged the decision makers, parliamentarians, environment experts and nutritionists to develop national consensus over controlling negative impacts of climate change and adopt technology-based agriculture for better output.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Sohail Yousaf highlighted the purpose and focus of the seminar. He also gave an overview of the issues on climate change and food security.
QAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, in his address, appreciated the efforts of the stakeholders for organizing the workshop. He said that in Pakistan about 40 sectors are attached directly or indirectly with agriculture which can significantly provide jobs.
