ISLAMABAD:
As Pakistan faces mounting challenges in food security, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is stepping up to support local governments with initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture.
FAO Country Representative Florence Rolle in an exclusive interview with APP said, that through a range of programmes, FAO aims to boost productivity, improve nutrition, and build resilient food systems that offer Pakistanis not only sufficient calories but also healthier diets.
FAO’s strategy for supporting Pakistan is built around sustainable agricultural practices that address core food security issues and promote better nutrition.
Elaborating on her organisation’s various programmes initiated in Pakistan, she said the FAO is enhancing local agriculture by promoting eco-friendly practices that build resilience while improving soil, water management, and biodiversity. These practices increase crop yields and ensure the longevity of Pakistan’s agricultural productivity, she added. She said that small-scale farmers play a key role in Pakistan’s food production, adding that FAO’s initiatives provide these farmers with resources, training, and knowledge to adopt sustainable methods that protect the environment and boost their productivity.
Rolle said FAO emphasises food production that meets not only caloric needs but also nutritional requirements. By encouraging a diverse crop range, FAO supports the availability of nutrient-rich foods, essential for healthy, balanced diets. To a question about food safety standards, she said ensuring food safety is vital and FAO collaborates with local governments to develop food safety standards and practices, offering technical assistance on everything from good farming practices to safe post-harvest handling, ensuring food remains safe for consumers.
Rolle said FAO also engages with communities to raise awareness on food safety and nutrition, adding that educating people about nutritious foods and safe consumption practices is a cornerstone of FAO’s approach to building healthier diets.