Every year, the world wastes more than a billion tonnes of food, enough to feed nearly 800 million hungry people. Meanwhile, millions go to bed hungry, malnourished or dependent on the uncertain generosity of aid. Pakistan exemplifies this cruel paradox. Blessed with fertile soil and abundant harvests, the country nevertheless loses millions of tonnes annually due to post-harvest inefficiencies, poor storage and inadequate supply chains. Household-level waste, excessive cosmetic standards in markets and lack of consumer awareness further compound the problem. These losses are a moral failure and also an economic and environmental burden. Innovation, policy and public awareness can dramatically reduce losses. Modern cold chains, digital tracking of food stocks and redistribution programmes have already prevented millions of meals from going to waste. Empowering small farmers with sustainable practices, educating consumers on planning and storage and incentivising donations through policy frameworks are all proven strategies.
In Pakistan, with climate shocks, population growth and ongoing regional instability, ensuring efficient use of food resources is critical. Policy intervention, investment in storage and cold chain infrastructure and awareness campaigns must complement grassroots initiatives. Every wasted meal is a missed opportunity to nourish a child, sustain a community and mitigate environmental harm.
Majid Burfat
Karachi
