Int’l Day of Zero Waste marked: President for urgent efforts to reduce food loss, waste

ISLAMABAD: The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the International Day of Zero Waste, has called for urgent and sustained efforts to reduce food loss and waste, describing it as a critical challenge with far-reaching implications for food security, household wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

The day, observed this year with a special focus on food waste, serves as a reminder of a growing global concern that directly affects Pakistan as well. The president noted that reducing food loss and waste must become a practical priority at every stage of the supply chain, including production, storage, distribution, and consumption.

He emphasised that the issue is not abstract for many families, pointing out that food spoiling before reaching markets, inadequate storage leading to damaged harvests, and large quantities of cooked food being discarded after events all represent wasted resources that could be used more responsibly. At a time when many households are facing financial pressures and food prices remain a concern, he said, reducing waste is closely linked to the daily wellbeing of ordinary citizens.

The president further highlighted the environmental impact of food waste, noting that discarded food also means the loss of water, land, energy, and labour used in its production. When such waste ends up in landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and adds pressure on the environment, making the issue closely tied to climate change as well as food security.

Referring to Pakistan’s status as an agrarian economy, he stressed the importance of addressing post-harvest losses that occur between farms and markets. He said that improved storage facilities, better post-harvest handling, and stronger cold-chain systems could significantly reduce spoilage and inefficiencies in the system.

He also called for coordinated efforts at the community and institutional levels, suggesting that markets, local administrations, and charitable organisations work together to redirect surplus food to vulnerable populations instead of allowing it to go to waste.

The president urged public institutions to lead by example in minimising food waste and encouraged businesses across the food supply chain to adopt better planning, storage, and distribution practices. He added that households can also contribute meaningfully through simple steps such as purchasing only what is needed, storing food properly, and using leftovers responsibly.

Concluding his message, the president said that reducing food waste is not a single policy intervention but a collective responsibility requiring consistent effort from farms to homes. He emphasised that treating food with care would strengthen national food security, ensure better use of resources, and help reduce environmental pressure across the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026