Global Rice News

Pakistan’s economy and social problems can be addressed by focusing on localized solutions rather than relying on loans and international aid. One solution is to tackle the issue of food waste, as Pakistan currently wastes 35-40 percent of its fruits and vegetables. By implementing grassroots-level food processing, Pakistan can achieve economic stability and nutrition security. This approach will benefit both the farmers and the nation as a whole.

Pakistan is an agrarian society with a significant agriculture sector. Despite being a top producer of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and milk, more than 50 percent of households in Pakistan are food insecure, leading to a high prevalence of child stunting. While fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, Pakistan is discarding a significant portion of its horticulture produce due to post-harvest losses. This not only deprives people of nutrition but also has negative economic consequences for farmers and the country. In terms of raw produce value, post-harvest losses amount to $5 billion, which could be converted into $15-20 billion worth of processed food for domestic and international markets. Establishing a vibrant food processing sector would provide economic, social, and health benefits while also being environmentally friendly.

Economic Benefits

By reducing food waste and focusing on food processing, Pakistan can transform $5 billion worth of produce into $15-20 billion worth of processed food. This can be utilized in both domestic and international markets. Thailand serves as an excellent example of how such a revolution can boost the economic trajectory of a country. Pakistan, with its larger agriculture sector, has the potential to become a major player in the world’s processed food market.

Social and Health Benefits

Currently, Pakistani farmers face low returns on their crops since they are often forced to sell to middlemen when supply is high. Prices tend to be depressed during this time, making it difficult for farmers to make a profit. However, a few days later, farmers end up paying significantly higher prices when they purchase fruits and vegetables for their own consumption. By processing their own produce and extending its shelf life, farmers can save money and have a more nutritious diet. Additionally, selling processed products can significantly increase farmers’ income, providing them with greater financial stability. This approach would improve food security and reduce malnutrition rates in Pakistan.

Environmental Benefits

Implementing food processing methods that rely on sun-drying and storage can result in significant energy savings. Sun-drying eliminates the need for costly cold storage, reducing the price of produce. Transportation costs are also reduced since dried produce is lighter and takes up less space. For example, one truck would be enough to transport the same amount of produce that currently requires ten trucks. There is also a significant reduction in cooking fuel costs when using dried vegetables, which cook much faster. Considering that Pakistan has approximately 30 million families, the potential for fuel savings is immense.

Pakistan has the ambition to reduce its reliance on IMF loans, and one way to achieve this is by creating sectors that benefit the masses while generating income for the country. Prioritizing grassroots agriculture and food processing can lead to the development of a multi-billion dollar sector, as well as improvements in health and the environment. Pakistan can study and learn from the successful “sufficiency economy” model implemented by the late King Rama IX of Thailand.

Source: Nation.com.pk