Second Annual Pakistan-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Conference
Irfan Ali
Tandojam National and international experts, committed
to addressing the food and nutrition shortages in the country, have stated that
failure to take appropriate measures will severely affect the future
generations of Pakistan due to food shortages in pregnant women and children
under the age of five. They urged all stakeholders to prevent post-harvest
losses in agriculture, expand nutrition awareness programs at the university
level, and focus on rural health and poverty.
They said while addressing the Second
Annual Pakistan-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) Conference organized by the
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology at Sindh Agriculture University
Tandojam, in collaboration with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
Pakistan and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, on Tuesday at main
Auditorium Hall.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony,
Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri highlighted that 45% of children under five
years of age in Pakistan are affected by food shortages, with over 32% being
underweight for their age and 15% suffering from severe malnutrition. He
emphasized the need for collaboration among scientific institutions, experts,
and stakeholders to ensure food security۔
“The climate change has had negative
effects on agricultural production and its quality, which is also posing
further risks to food security.” He added.
Special guest Agha Fakhar Hussain,
Director General of Sindh Food Authority, emphasized the importance of
addressing health hazards associated with harmful food and announced the
expansion of the Food Business Monitoring System. Moreover, initiatives such as
chemical analysis and microbiology laboratories are in progress, along with
training and internship programs for university graduates to play a role in
local communities.
KOICA Pakistan's Country
representative, Jeho Weon, stated that they are aiding in food security
projects, specifically those related to nutritional interventions, through
collaborative efforts with the government.
Dr. Kim Jae Han, Program Manager of
Pakistan-Korea Nutrition Center and Changnam National University, South Korea,
stressed the need for increased attention to agricultural production and rural
health. He emphasized the significance of nutrition and health education
programs at universities.
Director General of Sindh Agriculture Research, Mr. Noor Muhammad Baloch, emphasized the need to reclaim 8 million hectares of uncultivated land for agriculture and train rural women in kitchen gardening.
Dr. Masood Sadiq Butt, Dean of
University of Agriculture Faisalabad, expressed hopes for fruitful outcomes
from the conference, highlighting the benefits in food processing, value
addition, food composition, maternal and child health, and education. He emphasized
the role of Lady Health Workers, schools, and practitioners in educating
families about the health of children and pregnant women.
Mr. James Robert Okoth of FAO
underscored the importance of reducing post-harvest losses and paying attention
to the health of children under five. He stressed the need for research on new
nutritious food sources.
During the event, speeches were also
delivered by Dr. Akbar Zardari, Dr. Aijaz Hussain Soomro, Dr. Tahseen Fatima,
and Dr. Shahzor Gul Khaskheli. Subsequently, esteemed guests inaugurated the
Food Testing Laboratory, supported by the Sindh government's Food Department,
and showcased food items prepared by students.
A large number of representatives
from South Korea, Karachi University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad,
Sindh Agriculture Research, Agriculture Extension, various universities,
educational research institutions, professors, and students participated in the
event.
