Evolution of Food and Nutritional Security in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions

This article examines the evolution of food and nutritional security in Pakistan from 1947 to the present, highlighting the impact of historical events, socio-economic factors, and policy interventions on food production, availability, and access. Despite notable progress in increasing food production, Pakistan continues to face significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to nutritious food across all levels—individual, household, divisional, provincial, and national. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, region-specific approach to tackle contemporary challenges such as population growth, climate change, and urbanization. It also underscores the importance of implementing the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy-2018 effectively to address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, ultimately aiming to build a healthier and more resilient future for the people of Pakistan.

Food and nutritional security are fundamental to the well-being of any nation, affecting health, economic stability, and social harmony. In Pakistan, the journey towards achieving food and nutritional security has been complex and multifaceted, influenced by historical events, socio-economic changes, and policy interventions since its independence in 1947. This article explores the evolution of food and nutritional security in Pakistan at individual, household, divisional, provincial, and national levels, examining key milestones, challenges, and the way forward.

Post-Independence Era: 1947-1960s

At the time of its independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited an agrarian economy with a significant portion of its population engaged in agriculture. However, the partition of British India created immediate challenges in food security. The newly formed country faced a massive influx of refugees, leading to an increased demand for food and a disrupted agricultural system. The division of resources, including irrigated land and food stocks, was unequal, and Pakistan had to rebuild its agricultural base from scratch.

During the 1950s, the government focused on agricultural development as a means to achieve food security. Land reforms were introduced, and efforts were made to increase the production of staple crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. However, these efforts were limited by the lack of infrastructure, modern agricultural techniques, and financial resources. The Green Revolution of the 1960s, which brought high-yielding crop varieties and increased use of fertilizers and irrigation, marked a significant turning point. Wheat production, in particular, saw substantial growth, leading to improved food availability at the national level.

The Green Revolution and its Impact: 1970s-1980s

The Green Revolution had a profound impact on food security in Pakistan. By the 1970s, the country had become self-sufficient in wheat production, and the overall agricultural output had increased. However, the benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed across the country. While Punjab, with its extensive canal irrigation system, reaped the most benefits, other regions like Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan lagged behind.

At the household level, the Green Revolution contributed to increased food availability, but it also led to socio-economic disparities. Large landowners benefited disproportionately, while smallholders and landless laborers faced challenges in accessing the new technologies and resources. This period also saw an increase in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which had long-term environmental and health implications.

Despite the increase in food production, nutritional security remained a challenge. The focus on staple crops led to a decline in the cultivation of pulses, fruits, and vegetables, which are essential for a balanced diet. As a result, while caloric intake may have increased, the quality of the diet, particularly among the rural poor, did not improve significantly.

Structural Adjustments and Economic Liberalization: 1990s

The 1990s were marked by structural adjustments and economic liberalization in Pakistan, driven by the need to stabilize the economy and reduce fiscal deficits. These policies had mixed effects on food and nutritional security. On one hand, market-oriented reforms led to greater efficiency in agricultural production and distribution. On the other hand, the reduction in government subsidies and support for small farmers made it difficult for them to compete in the open market.

At the provincial level, the disparities in food security became more pronounced. Punjab continued to dominate in terms of agricultural productivity, while Sindh and Balochistan faced challenges due to water scarcity and poor infrastructure. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its mountainous terrain, had limited arable land, further exacerbating food insecurity in the region.

The household and individual levels of food security were also affected by rising food prices and income inequality. Poor households, particularly in urban areas, struggled to afford a nutritious diet. Malnutrition, especially among children and women, remained a persistent issue. The National Nutrition Survey of 1998 highlighted alarming levels of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies across the country.

Challenges of the 21st Century: 2000s-Present

The 21st century has brought new challenges to food and nutritional security in Pakistan, including population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and political instability. The country’s population has more than doubled since independence, putting immense pressure on food production and distribution systems. Urbanization has further complicated the issue, with increasing demand for food in cities and changing dietary patterns.

Climate change has emerged as a significant threat to food security in Pakistan. The country is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have devastating effects on agriculture. The floods of 2010, for example, submerged vast areas of farmland, leading to massive crop losses and displacing millions of people. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and inefficient water management practices, has further strained agricultural production, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

At the divisional and provincial levels, food security remains uneven. Punjab continues to be the breadbasket of Pakistan, but even within Punjab, there are areas of significant food insecurity, particularly in the southern districts. Sindh, with its dependence on the Indus River, faces challenges due to water shortages and salinity issues. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with their difficult terrains and limited agricultural resources, remain the most food-insecure regions.

The national level response to these challenges has included various policy initiatives and programs aimed at improving food and nutritional security. The introduction of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) in 2008 was a significant step towards addressing food insecurity at the household level by providing cash transfers to the poorest segments of the population. The National Zero Hunger Program, launched in 2013, aimed to improve food access and nutrition for vulnerable groups, particularly children and pregnant women.

However, despite these efforts, malnutrition remains a critical issue in Pakistan. The National Nutrition Survey of 2018-19 revealed that 40.2% of children under five years of age are stunted, and 17.7% suffer from wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin A, and iodine, are widespread, affecting the cognitive and physical development of children.

Policy Interventions and the Way Forward

Addressing food and nutritional security in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that takes into account the diverse challenges at individual, household, divisional, provincial, and national levels. Policy interventions must be holistic, focusing not only on increasing food production but also on improving access, affordability, and the nutritional quality of diets.

At the individual and household levels, social protection programs like BISP need to be expanded and made more effective in reaching the most vulnerable populations. Nutrition-specific interventions, such as micronutrient supplementation and fortification programs, should be scaled up to address the persistent issue of malnutrition.

At the divisional and provincial levels, there is a need for region-specific strategies that address the unique challenges of each area. In Punjab, efforts should focus on improving the productivity and sustainability of agriculture, particularly in the less developed southern districts. In Sindh and Balochistan, water management and irrigation infrastructure need to be prioritized to ensure reliable water supply for agriculture. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, investment in agroforestry and livestock production could help improve food security in the mountainous regions.

At the national level, a coherent food security strategy is essential. This strategy should integrate agriculture, nutrition, water management, and climate change adaptation. Strengthening agricultural research and extension services is crucial for developing and disseminating climate-resilient crop varieties and farming practices. The government must also invest in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

Furthermore, addressing the socio-economic determinants of food insecurity, such as poverty, education, and gender inequality, is essential for long-term progress. Empowering women, who play a key role in food production and household nutrition, can have a significant impact on food security outcomes.

Last but not least, a comprehensive document has already been prepared in the form of the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy-2018, which serves as a vital roadmap for addressing the multifaceted challenges of food and nutritional security in Pakistan. This policy outlines strategic actions across various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and social protection, to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to food security. However, the success of this policy hinges on its effective implementation at all levels of governance. It is imperative that the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy-2018 be implemented in letter and spirit, with strong political will, adequate resource allocation, and rigorous monitoring mechanisms in place. By doing so, Pakistan can make significant strides towards achieving food and nutritional security for all its citizens, fostering a healthier and more resilient nation.

Conclusion

Food and nutritional security in Pakistan has evolved significantly since 1947, influenced by historical events, socio-economic changes, and policy interventions. While the country has made strides in improving food production and availability, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all segments of the population. As Pakistan continues to face the challenges of the 21st century, including population growth, climate change, and urbanization, a comprehensive and region-specific approach is needed to achieve sustainable food and nutritional security at all levels. By addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, Pakistan can build a healthier and more resilient future for its people. Last but not least, the effective implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy-2018 is crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring that progress is made in letter and spirit towards a food-secure nation.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Muhammad Khalid Bashir is an Associate Professor (Tenured) at the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, & Co-Chair of the Policy, Advocacy and Outreach, Pak-Korea Nutrition Center, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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