Seminar Organized To Mark World Food Day

The Department of Food Science and Technology of the University of Karachi organized a seminar to mark World Food Day on Thursday

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Oct, 2025) The Department of Food Science and Technology of the University of Karachi organized a seminar to mark World Food Day on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi stated that although developed countries are producing high-quality crops and food items by using modern technology on limited land, fulfilling domestic needs and strengthening their economies through exports, said a statement on Thursday.

Dr Khalid urged utilization of modern technologies in agriculture section in Pakistan to maximize the efficient use of agricultural land.

KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi added that academic institutions, especially those linked to agriculture, should align their curricula with industry demands to meet contemporary challenges—a commendable and progressive step.

On the occasion, KU’s Chairman of the DFST Dr Abdul Haq stated that there is vast potential for growth through value addition. He mentioned that countries like Turkey and Iran are prominent exporters of dried fruits, and Thailand has built a major canned pineapple industry—models that Pakistan could adopt for its own crops.

Program Manager of Food and Agriculture Organization Dr Pedro Andres Garzon Delvaux informed the audience that Pakistan is rapidly urbanizing, with rural population growth at one percent and urban population growth at 2.35 percent.

He noted that the crops sector holds strong and diverse development potential, with significant multiplier effects on the economy. Public and private interests are intertwined, creating complexities but also substantial opportunities. He affirmed that FAO sees many avenues for collaboration in Pakistan.

KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Musarrat Jahan Yousuf emphasized that World Food Day reminds us that improvement in food safety, production processes, or nutrition research enhances the value of our national food system.

She added that through these efforts, we can move toward a future where no one goes hungry, food is safe and nutritious, accessible to all, and innovation serves humanity. The seminar also featured addresses by Professor Dr Nusrat Jabeen from the Department of Microbiology and other distinguished speakers.