Senate Committee Directs to Launch National Campaign to Reduce Food Waste

The Senate Committee on Food Security and Research directs to launch a national campaign to reduce food waste across the country.

The Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill 2023 seeks to establish an apex body to oversee critical sectors,  focusing on livestock, dairy, and poultry. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, one of the key proponents of the bill, emphasized its importance in promoting responsible practices and ensuring the availability of healthy, organic food for the nation’s citizens.

During discussions on climate-smart agriculture, the committee, led by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, expressed concerns regarding the insufficient information provided by the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC). The committee urged the introduction of cost-effective modern technologies to support small farmers effectively.

Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity and declining agricultural yields, PARC Chairman Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali highlighted that food insecurity stems from rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change. He noted that Pakistan currently needs 70 million tons of food annually, a figure expected to rise to 130 million tons by 2050. Alarmingly, approximately 19.6 million tons of food is lost in hotels and events nationwide.

The committee also raised concerns about 3.5 billion rupees in cess liabilities owed by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), seeking a detailed briefing on cess dues, as well as information on cotton varieties, for the next committee meeting.

Dr. Tariq Khan, Director General of the Plant Protection Department, reported significant cotton crop damage in Punjab and Sindh, with 7,045 hectares affected in Khushab and around 675 hectares in Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad. Fortunately, he confirmed that there is no immediate locust threat this season. To enhance departmental effectiveness against future threats, the approval of 2,421 new posts has been granted.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan urged the department to prioritize mechanical support over increasing personnel, given the current economic challenges facing the country. The committee also recommended the acquisition of new aircraft, noting that the existing ones from the 1950s are inadequate for modern needs.