(QUETTA) – In commemoration of World Food Day, a one-day seminar was organized at the Balochistan Food Authority head office on October 16th. The event focused on this year’s theme, “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind,” shedding light on the crucial role of water in ensuring food security for all.
The seminar was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, with Secretary Food Saleh Mohammad Baloch serving as the chief guest. Joining him were Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority, Mohammad Naeem Bazai, experts from various organizations, religious scholars, and academia.
World Food Day is observed annually on October 16, as declared by the FAO in 1979. Its purpose is to increase awareness about global food issues and prompt reflection on efforts to combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
The event provided a platform for insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants. Experts from diverse backgrounds shared their expertise and shed light on the significance of water in agriculture, food production, and sustainable development. The seminar aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced in ensuring access to clean water for food production and the importance of sustainable water management.
Secretary Food Saleh Mohammad Baloch expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful event. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address water scarcity and its impact on food security.
Balochistan, being a dry region, faces unique challenges in water availability. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable water management practices. The Secretary of Food also mentioned that limestone provides better water discharge compared to traditional tube wells. To address the issue of water scarcity, it is important to create watersheds to capture rainwater. Additionally, the construction of dams by the Balochistan Government is underway and will be completed in the near future. These dams will help meet the water demand and support the agriculture sector. Extending canal projects will also contribute to the fertility of the province’s large barren lands. However, raising awareness about these issues is essential in order to effectively tackle them.
Director General Mohammad Naeem Bazai highlighted the efforts of the Balochistan Food Authority in promoting food security and ensuring the availability of safe and nutritious food for all citizens. He stressed the importance of integrating water management strategies into agricultural practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The seminar also provided a platform for religious scholars to emphasize the moral obligation of individuals and communities to conserve water resources and ensure its equitable distribution. Academia played a vital role in presenting research findings and innovative solutions to address water scarcity and its impact on food security.
The one-day seminar on World Food Day successfully raised awareness about the critical role of water in food production and the need for sustainable water management practices. It served as a call to action for stakeholders to work together in leaving no one behind in the pursuit of food security.
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