World Food Day: President, PM Vow to Modernise Agriculture

World Food Day is being observed today, Friday, October 16, under the theme “Innovate Today to Nourish Tomorrow”. The day aims to raise awareness about global hunger, nutrition and sustainable food systems, and serves as a reminder to take collective action to end hunger, ensure food security and promote healthier and fairer food for all.

President Asif Ali Zardari

In his message, President Zardari reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s food security, modernising agriculture and ensuring access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. He stressed the need to address challenges facing farmers, including climate change, water scarcity, land degradation and rising production costs. He called for:

• Promoting climate-smart agriculture

• Improving irrigation efficiency

• Reducing post-harvest losses

• Strengthening farmers’ access to markets

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

The Prime Minister said the government is committed to modernising agriculture through improved seeds, mechanisation, digital technologies and scientific research. He highlighted the role of the National Agricultural and Food Security Council in coordinating agricultural development with provincial governments and relevant institutions.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of scientific research, technological innovation and climate-resilient farming under this year’s theme.