World Food Day: Minister reaffirms govt’s commitment to food security
ISLAMABAD: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, marked World Food Day 2026 in Islamabad, calling for innovation, stronger partnerships and collective action to build sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient food systems in Pakistan.
Held at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), the event brought together Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, government officials, development partners, researchers, university students and schoolchildren. This year’s global theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow”, highlights the importance of innovation in ensuring access to safe, nutritious and affordable food for all.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security and agricultural development, stressing the importance of agricultural research, modern farming practices, efficient water use and stronger links between scientific research and practical solutions for farmers. He acknowledged FAO’s support for agriculture, livestock, fisheries and rural livelihoods, alongside WFP’s work in food assistance, nutrition and emergency response, and IFAD’s contributions to smallholder farmers and rural development.
In her remarks, Emmah Kamau, FAO Officer-in-Charge in Pakistan, emphasised that innovation extends beyond modern technology to include local knowledge, improved farming practices, better storage and stronger value chains. She highlighted the need for solutions that help farmers adapt to climate change, reduce food loss and waste, improve food safety and nutrition, and make healthy diets more accessible. She reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to working with the Government of Pakistan and development partners to strengthen sustainable agriculture and agrifood systems, while recognising the contributions of women farmers and young people.
“For innovation to make a lasting difference, it must reach small-scale farmers and translate into stronger livelihoods and economic opportunities,” said Ghulam Nabi Marri, Country Program Coordinator at IFAD Pakistan. “Through our investments in Pakistan, we are helping rural communities adopt climate-resilient practices, improve access to markets and build more sustainable sources of income. By combining modern solutions with local knowledge, we can ensure that innovation delivers tangible benefits for those most vulnerable to food insecurity.”
Anita Hirsch, WFP Representative and Country Director in Pakistan, emphasised that the decisions made today will shape the future of food security and nutrition. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovation translates into better nutrition, stronger livelihoods and more resilient systems that enable everyone to access the food they need.
The event also highlighted the close link between climate change and food security. Pakistan’s vulnerability to floods, droughts, heatwaves and water stress underscores the need for climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable water management, early warning systems and measures to protect farmers’ livelihoods and food supplies.
The event reinforced the importance of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, researchers, farmers and communities in addressing food security challenges. FAO continues to work with Pakistan and its partners to promote sustainable agri food systems, strengthen climate resilience and support access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.
The World Food Day is observed globally on October 16.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026