ISLAMABAD – United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, highlighted importance of scientific research, sustainable agriculture and coordinated institutional efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s food security and improve nutrition during an event held on Thursday.
The gathering brought renewed attention to the need for innovative, climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive approaches to building a stronger food system, underscoring the vital role of government institutions, agricultural researchers, development partners and humanitarian organisations in advancing the country’s goal of achieving Zero Hunger.
The event comes at a crucial time as Pakistan seeks to turn its agricultural potential into sustainable food security, improve access to nutritious diets and strengthen rural communities against economic and climate-related challenges. Through stronger partnerships and research-driven solutions, the country has opportunities to improve agricultural productivity, protect vulnerable households and create a more resilient future for farmers and consumers.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released in April 2026, approximately 7.5 million people across 45 vulnerable rural districts of Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced acute food insecurity between December 2025 and March 2026. The assessment covered an estimated 35.6 million people across these districts, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions, effective social protection and sustainable agricultural development. The IPC projected that the number of people facing acute food insecurity in the analysed population could decline to 6.7 million during April–September 2026, although continued support remains essential.
Against this backdrop, strengthening agricultural research and promoting modern farming practices can make a meaningful contribution to improving food availability and protecting livelihoods. Climate-smart agriculture, efficient irrigation, improved water management, better-quality seeds and stronger agricultural supply chains are among the key measures that can help farmers respond to changing weather patterns, reduce production losses and maintain stable food supplies.
Nutrition emerged as another central priority, with approximately 40 per cent of children under five in Pakistan experiencing stunted growth. The challenge highlights the importance of combining adequate food supplies with dietary diversity, maternal healthcare, essential nutrition services and targeted support for vulnerable families.
Pakistan is also advancing collaborative initiatives to address malnutrition. In July 2026, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), WFP, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a three-year extension of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, aiming to protect an additional 3.3 million women and children from malnutrition. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative had reached 4.7 million people, with its total expected reach projected to rise to eight million. An evaluation cited by the partners found that children enrolled in the programme were 22 per cent less likely to experience stunting at six months of age, demonstrating the potential of integrated nutrition and social protection interventions.
WFP continues to work with the Government of Pakistan to strengthen nutrition programmes, improve food security, support social protection systems and enhance community resilience to climate-related shocks. Its efforts include school meals, nutrition-sensitive assistance, community asset development and disaster preparedness, helping connect immediate humanitarian needs with longer-term development priorities.
The event at NARC also reinforced the value of bringing scientific knowledge and practical agricultural experience together to develop solutions suited to Pakistan’s needs. Stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers, farmers and development partners can support evidence-based decision-making, encourage sustainable farming techniques and improve the effectiveness of food and nutrition programmes.
Improving water conservation, strengthening irrigation infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding farmers’ access to modern technologies can further contribute to resilient food production. At the same time, affordable nutritious food, targeted assistance and improved disaster preparedness are essential to ensuring that climate-related emergencies and market pressures do not undermine household food security.
By fostering cooperation between research institutions, government agencies and international development partners, initiatives such as the WFP–NARC gathering can help build momentum towards a more productive, inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its food systems is closely linked to broader national priorities, including poverty reduction, public health, rural development and human capital investment. Continued investment in research, innovation and nutrition-sensitive social protection can help translate agricultural potential into tangible benefits for communities across the country.