Pakistan faces significant challenges concerning food security: FPCCI chief

Lahore: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has said that Pakistan faces significant challenges concerning food security for its vast population of 240 million people, making it imperative to focus on agricultural advancement.

He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between Pakistan and China. This call for cooperation came during the Anhui-Pakistan International Agricultural Cooperation and Development Forum held in China.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh underscored the importance of prioritizing agricultural development and modernization within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He highlighted that Pakistan faces significant challenges concerning food security for its vast population of 240 million people, making it imperative to focus on agricultural advancement.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh noted that investing in modern transportation and logistics infrastructure is crucial for facilitating the efficient movement of agricultural products.

He maintained that the technology transfer from China can play a pivotal role in enhancing crop yields, modernizing irrigation methods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

He also emphasized the significance of expanding access to the Chinese market for Pakistani agricultural products. This can be achieved by reducing trade barriers and simplifying regulations, ultimately boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports, he added.

Muhammad Suleman Chawla, another FPCCI official, echoed the sentiment that Pakistan should fully harness the potential of agricultural development with China’s assistance.

He stressed the need to formulate a comprehensive blueprint for this endeavor. Chawla highlighted the importance of creating friendly policies and regulations that favor agricultural development and trade between the two nations.

He contended that both Pakistan and China have the opportunity to exchange valuable information, share research findings, and adopt best practices in agriculture.

He said they can foster business networking to encourage partnerships and collaborations between Chinese and Pakistani businesses.

Moreover, he remarked, they can work together to enhance the skills of their agricultural workforce through capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and workshops, enabling them to embrace modern agricultural practices.

Regarding Pakistan’s agricultural performance in Financial Year (FY) 2022, Muhammad Suleman Chawla pointed out that despite the challenges posed by floods in 2022, the Rabi Season crops exhibited higher yields.

“This compensated for the losses incurred during the Kharif Season (autumn crops), resulting in an overall growth of the agriculture sector by 1.55 percent in FY22,” he elaborated.