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President for adopting innovative, sustainable approaches to fight hunger
ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has said that it is need of the hour to adopt innovative and sustainable approaches such as public-private partnership and mobilize domestic resources to fight hunger. “The World Food Day that is being observed on Oct 16 worldwide with the theme “United Against Hunger” calls upon all of us to join hands with the international community, civil society organizations and the private sector to eradicate hunger,” the President said in a message on the occasion of World Food Day.He said that 1.2 billion people in the world today suffer from hunger and malnutrition and their plight has been exacerbated by the soaring food and rising fuel prices.
In Pakistan, he said, the devastation caused by floods, particularly in the food and agriculture sector, has made it even more urgent to step up fight against hunger and malnutrition.
The President said that the government has accorded high priority to agriculture for ensuring food security on a long-term basis.
That was why the wheat procurement price was increased last year and new incentives announced for the farmers to grow more food, generate new jobs and enhance income opportunities for our rural population, the President added.
He said that with the assistance of the international community the government is providing critical support to the 2.3 million flood affected people by providing needed rations to save them from imminent threat of hunger.
“We have also initiated different safety net schemes, such as Watan Card Scheme, to rehabilitate these families. However, a lot more needs to be done in the fight against huger and to ensure food security for our people,” the President said.
On the vent of the World Food Day - 2010, we once again renew our determination to ensure food availability for our people and to initiate interventions to overcome the looming challenges, he said.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk