ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a one-on-one meeting with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu during the 44th Session of the FAO Conference in Rome.
The minister expressed deep appreciation for FAO’s longstanding support to Pakistan’s agriculture sector, said a statement released here on Wednesday. He briefed the DG on Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts aimed at transforming food systems to become more sustainable, inclusive and resilient in the face of climate change.
Highlighting the critical role of agriculture, which contributes 24% to Pakistan’s gross domestic product and employs 37% of the labour force, Rana Tanveer Hussain outlined major initiatives undertaken under the Vision 2025 and the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Emergency Programme. These include reforms in water conservation, seed systems, digital extension services and targeted farmer subsidies.
He also discussed new national policies on biotechnology, e-commerce integration for small farm holders and soil health mapping.
The minister noted significant outcomes such as improved affordability of healthy diet (from 37% of households in 2019 to 52% in 2024) and a drop in the real cost of healthy diets.
He also underscored persistent challenges including food insecurity affecting 36.9% of the population, rising input costs and a severe climate-induced stress.
Calling for enhanced international cooperation, the food minister urged FAO to support Pakistan’s access to climate financing, carbon markets and adaptation mechanisms for vulnerable farming communities.
Director-General QU Dongyu appreciated Pakistan’s strong reform momentum and reaffirmed FAO’s continued technical and policy support. He praised efforts to opt for climate-smart agricultural practices, digital innovation and capacity building.
