More than 60 percent of Pakistan’s population is unable to afford a healthy diet, triggering persistent undernutrition and a rise in diet-related noncommunicable diseases, according to a recent policy brief by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The UN agency’s report, titled Food Supply for Healthy Diets in Pakistan, reveals severe structural imbalances in the nation’s food production system. While the country produces an excess of cereals and sugar beyond dietary needs, it faces widening supply deficits in essential nutrient-dense food groups—including vegetables, fruits, roots, tubers, and pulses.
Widening Supply Shortfalls (2010 vs. 2023)
The assessment compared national food supplies against dietary guidelines between 2010 and 2023:
- Vegetables: The annual supply shortfall expanded dramatically from 10.9–17.8 million tonnes in 2010 to 13–21.6 million tonnes in 2023.
- Fruits: The deficit broadened from 1.9–10.3 million tonnes in 2010 to 3.9–14.3 million tonnes in 2023.
- Roots, Tubers & Pulses: Shortages remain persistent across all three categories.
- Livestock Progress: On a positive note, the supply of milk, milk products, meat, and eggs improved, while fats and oils transitioned into the recommended intake range.
Demographic Pressure and Climate Risks
Rapid population growth is exacerbating the burden on Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The country’s population expanded from 189.3 million in 2010 to 235.2 million in 2023, with projections reaching 330 million by 2050. The FAO warned that climate change and environmental stressors risk further disrupting crop availability and yields.
FAO Policy Recommendations
To build a nutrient-secure future, the FAO urges Pakistan to adopt coordinated fiscal, regulatory, and agricultural reforms:
- Realign Agriculture & Trade: Shift subsidies and investments toward high-nutrition crops—such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, roots, and tubers—alongside targeted regional milk production support.
- Reduce Waste & Improve Logistics: Enhance supply chain distribution networks to reduce post-harvest losses and food waste.
- Fiscal & Regulatory Measures: Implement evidence-based taxes on foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, introduce clear front-of-package nutrition labelling, and set quality standards for food processors.
- Dietary Guidelines & Awareness: Update national dietary guidelines to address health and environmental priorities, paired with public education campaigns to foster healthier eating habits.
