President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday called for collective and practical efforts at every level from farms and markets to distribution and consumption for significantly reducing food loss and waste.
In a message on the International Day of Zero Waste, he said, “On the International Day of Zero Waste, observed this year with a focus on food waste, we are reminded of a challenge that carries serious implications for our country and for the wider world. Reducing food loss and waste must become a practical priority at every stage, from production and storage to distribution and consumption.”
“For many families, this issue is not abstract. Food that spoils before reaching markets, harvests damaged because of poor storage, or large quantities of cooked food discarded after events all represent resources that could have been used more responsibly. At a time when households are managing tight budgets and food prices remain a concern, reducing waste is closely tied to the daily wellbeing of ordinary citizens,” he added.
He said, “Food that goes to waste also means the loss of water, land, energy and labour used to produce it. When discarded food ends up in landfill, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and adds further pressure on the environment. Addressing food waste is therefore closely linked to both food security and the wider challenge of climate change.”
“As an agrarian economy, Pakistan must pay particular attention to the losses that occur between the farm and the market. Better post-harvest handling, reliable storage facilities and stronger cold-chain systems can significantly reduce spoilage. At the same time, markets, local administrations and charitable organisations can work together to ensure that surplus food reaches vulnerable communities instead of being discarded,” he remarked.
He said, “Public institutions should lead by example in their own practices. Businesses across the food supply chain also have a responsibility to reduce waste through better planning, improved storage and responsible distribution. At the household level, small steps such as buying only what is needed, storing food properly and making full use of what is cooked can also make a meaningful difference.”
“Reducing food waste is not a single policy measure. It requires steady effort across farms, markets, institutions and homes. Treating food with the care it deserves will help strengthen food security, make better use of our resources and ease pressure on the environment,” he concluded.