ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has approved the Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill, 2023, which aims to establish a central regulatory body for animal science degrees in Pakistan to develop the livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors.
The committee, presided over by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, unanimously passed the bill, which was introduced by Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan.
Senator Hassan explained that the bill aims to create an apex body to oversee and develop animal sciences, ensuring the production of healthy, organic food for the nation.
In addition to the bill, the committee discussed pressing issues related to food security and agricultural productivity.
Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), said that food insecurity is being exacerbated by rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change.
He noted that Pakistan’s population, currently at 217 million, is projected to reach 350 million by 2050, increasing the annual food demand from 70 million tons to 130 million tons.
Dr. Ali also pointed out that 19.6 million tons of food gets wasted annually in events and hotels, stressing the need for research into high-yield crop varieties and efficient water-saving irrigation systems. The committee recommended launching an awareness campaign to address food wastage.
The committee also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies in climate-smart agriculture and called for adopting cost-effective modern technologies to assist small farmers and improve agricultural output.
The committee also reviewed the cess liabilities owed by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and instructed the cotton commissioner to prepare a comprehensive report on the cess dues and varieties for the next meeting.
Dr. Tariq Khan, Director General of the Plant Protection Department (PPD), spoke about locust damage in Sindh and Balochistan, detailing past damage in Khushab, Punjab, and recent impacts on cotton fields in Sindh.
While there is no immediate locust threat, the department has approved the creation of 2,421 new positions to strengthen its capacity.
The committee also recommended acquiring new aircraft, as the current 1950s Bimar aircraft are inadequate for modern needs.
Senators Poonjo Bheel, Abdul Wasay, Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, Aimal Wali Khan, and other senior government officials attended the meeting.