We must ensure food supply chains are not disrupted during crisis, says Akram

(Karachi) Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN Ambassador Munir Akram has said we must ensure that food supply chains are not disrupted during crisis situations. He added agricultural reforms are needed to make trade practices fair and equitable.

Addressing a virtual event in connection with World Food Day on Saturday, he said: "There is need to invest in sustainable agriculture-related infrastructure to ensure market access for remote and small-scale farmers in the developing countries."

Akram maintained that trade holds key importance for availability of food and stability in its prices. "All stakeholders must ensure that sustainable agriculture technologies are available to the developing countries on concessional and preferential terms."

The envoy pointed out that billions of dollars of subsidies by developed countries in agricultural sector have led to chronic overproduction, dumping surpluses, and distortions in global markets.

He stated that the only solution to overcome the crisis is to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and reduce vulnerabilities to future shocks and disasters.

He also called the need for working together and coming up with collective solutions to advance sustainable development. He said, "It is important to overcome the challenges by resolving core issues."