Pakistan’s food supply falls short of healthy diet requirements: FAO

Pakistan’s food supply remains significantly out of line with national dietary guidelines, with major shortages

Pakistan’s food supply remains significantly out of line with national dietary guidelines, with major shortages of vegetables, fruits, pulses, roots and tubers, while cereals and sugar exceed recommended dietary requirements, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The policy brief, titled “Food Supply for Healthy Diets in Pakistan,” highlights the need to ensure that nutritious, safe and affordable food is available to all segments of society. More than 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population cannot afford a healthy diet, making access to balanced nutrition a major public policy challenge.

The report warns that the imbalance in food availability is contributing to widespread malnutrition. Pakistan continues to face undernutrition, while diseases associated with unhealthy diets are also increasing.

Pakistan introduced its food-based dietary guidelines in 2018 to outline the types and quantities of food required for a healthy lifestyle. However, the FAO says promoting better eating habits will remain difficult unless nutritious foods are sufficiently available and affordable.

The assessment compared the country’s annual food supply with population-based requirements across 10 food groups between 2010 and 2023. It identified persistent gaps in several essential food categories, particularly vegetables, fruits, roots and tubers, and legumes and pulses.

The shortage of vegetables has increased considerably. The estimated supply gap rose from between 10.9 million and 17.8 million tonnes in 2010 to between 13 million and 21.6 million tonnes in 2023.

The situation also deteriorated for fruits. The estimated shortfall increased from between 1.9 million and 10.3 million tonnes in 2010 to between 3.9 million and 14.3 million tonnes in 2023.

In contrast, the availability of milk and dairy products, meat and eggs improved during the assessment period. The supply of fats and oils also moved from a slight shortfall in 2010 into the estimated required range in subsequent years.

Population growth is adding further pressure on the country’s food system. Pakistan’s population increased from 189.3 million in 2010 to 235.2 million in 2023. It is projected to reach approximately 330 million by 2050, increasing demand for food and agricultural resources.

The report warns that climate change and other challenges could place additional strain on Pakistan’s agricultural production and food distribution systems.

To address these problems, the FAO has called for coordinated fiscal and regulatory policies to bring agricultural production and trade priorities in line with nutritional needs. It has also recommended improving food distribution networks, reducing post-harvest losses and limiting food waste.

The organisation has urged Pakistan to update its dietary guidelines to incorporate nutritional, public health and environmental considerations. It has also emphasised nutrition education and public awareness campaigns to encourage healthier eating habits.

Among other recommendations, the report proposes evidence-based taxes on beverages and food products containing excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. Clear nutrition labels on the front of food packaging could also help consumers make healthier choices.

The FAO further recommends increasing agricultural investment in vegetables, fruits, pulses, roots and tubers, while supporting milk production in regions where additional investment is needed. Incentives for food processors to improve quality standards and reduce excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats have also been suggested.