Shahid Imran, Convener of the Regional Standing Committee on Food at the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), stated on Sunday that while Pakistan produces a sufficient quantity of staple crops, food access remains a challenge—particularly in rural and underserved regions—due to poor infrastructure, inefficient supply chains, and significant food wastage.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Food Security in Pakistan (green pakistan)”, organized in collaboration with Family Food Products, he explained that the country’s food security is influenced by a complex mix of factors, including availability, accessibility, and nutrition.
“Although agriculture plays a vital role in our economy, with major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton, food insecurity continues to affect nearly 36.9 percent of the population, as reported by the World Food Programme,” he noted.
He emphasized that a key problem lies in the unequal distribution of food despite adequate production.
In addition, he highlighted that recurring natural disasters—such as floods and droughts—exacerbated by climate change, have disrupted agricultural productivity and caused price volatility.
Discussing the social dimension of food insecurity, he identified poverty as a fundamental cause. “Many families cannot afford a healthy, balanced diet, which leads to widespread malnutrition—especially among children.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world, with alarming levels of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Concepts
What is food insecurity, and why is it still high in Pakistan in 2025?
Food insecurity means people do not have reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food. In 2025, despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan faces food insecurity due to inflation, climate disruptions, poor food distribution, and rising poverty. The World Food Programme reports that over one-third of the population is still affected.
What is food waste and how does it impact food security in Pakistan?
Food waste includes edible food lost during harvesting, transport, storage, or consumption. Pakistan wastes over 30% of its food annually. In 2025, poor infrastructure and inefficient supply chains contribute to this waste, worsening food shortages and increasing pressure on the agriculture sector.
How is climate change impacting Pakistan’s agriculture in 2025?
Climate change has intensified the frequency of floods, droughts, and heatwaves in Pakistan. In 2025, these events are directly damaging crops and reducing yields, threatening food supplies and income for millions of farmers. This climate-agriculture link is a major concern in national food security debates.
Why is child malnutrition still a crisis in 2025?
Despite food production, many families in Pakistan cannot afford a nutritious diet. In 2025, child malnutrition remains a critical issue due to poverty, inflation, and lack of dietary diversity. This results in high levels of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in rural areas.
What is the role of FPCCI in agricultural policy discussions?
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) acts as a voice for the business community. In 2025, its regional standing committees, like the one on food, play a key role in advising on policy reforms, lobbying for better supply chains, and ensuring fair taxation in agriculture.
What is the rural-urban divide in food access in 2025?
Urban areas often have better food availability but face high prices, while rural areas suffer from poor infrastructure and market access. In 2025, this divide is more pronounced due to inflation and inadequate rural investment, limiting food access for millions in remote regions.
