"International Day of Awareness of Food Loss & Waste"

FAISALABAD September 29: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad on Monday took out an awareness walk to mark "International Day of Awareness of Food Loss & Waste" meant for highlighting the need to take measures to reduce food loss and waste. It was jointly arranged by Food Processing Chair, Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC); and Dept. of Plant Breeding and Genetics,. In a message, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the country wastes 26 percent of its food production a year around 19.6 million tonnes, which valued $4 billion. He said the country food waste crisis is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from all sectors of society. We must take decisive action to create awareness, address the root causes and implement sustainable solutions. Dean Agriculture Dr Ghulam Murtaza said that the United Nations established this day in 2019 to raise global awareness about the issue of food loss and waste, promote collective action, and encourage sustainable food systems by reducing losses, improving food security, and mitigating environmental impacts. Dean Food Sciences Dr Imran Pasha added food waste is becoming a bigger challenge across the globe. It primarily stems from behavioral issues among end consumers. He said that they were taking measures to create awareness and other initiatives. Director General National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology Dr Muhammad Issa Khan said that a significant amount of food is lost while millions still face hunger and it is our collected responsibility to address the issue. Chairman Plant Breeding and Genetics Dr Azeem Iqbal Khan said that reducing food losses and waste is essential in a world where hunger has been steadily rising since 2014, while tons of edible food are lost or wasted every single day. Chair Food Procession Dr Kashif Iqbal Khan said plan your meals and shopping to avoid buying more than you need. He said that the millions of people who face hunger could be fed with the amount of food that is lost. Dr Raheela Rehman said that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not just about policies or numbers – it’s about changing mindsets and behaviours. She said that they had selected a village to create awareness to save the food and end wastage.