KARACHI: The European Union through its project Programme for improved nutrition in Sindh (EU-PINS1) will help promote nutrition-sensitive production in agriculture, livestock and fisheries by fully adapting to the needs of a changing climate.
This was stated by John K. O’Dea, the senior project adviser, while speaking online from London in a meeting organised on Tuesday in the conference room of the environment, climate change and coastal development department.
The meeting was chaired by secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghouri.
Highlighting the objectives of the project and methodology of its operation, he said contacts had already been developed with officials concerned of the Sindh government.
“The primary objective is to improve nutrition in all types of food along with boosting agricultural production related to micronutrient foods. This would be achieved by training farmers in nutrition-sensitive production and climate change adaptation.”
EU project to help produce nutrition-sensitive food
About project’s significance, he said iron deficiency anaemia affected 23.8 per cent of women of reproductive age in Sindh. In addition, serious deficiencies in Vitamin A & D, calcium, zinc, and iodine were common in people because of low per capita consumption of animal-source foods like beef, mutton, chicken, and fish, which had high-quality protein.
“Only 14.2 per cent of children aged between 6 and 23 months enjoy a sufficient minimum dietary diversity across Pakistan.
“Therefore, the role of nutrition-sensitive production in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries cannot be overlooked and they must be made adaptive to all changes occurred at global and local levels including environmental, technological, and financial.”
Sharing details of Sindh Accelerated Action Plan for Reduction of Stunting and Malnutrition, the project adviser said the project was aimed at reducing stunting from 48 per cent to 30 per cent in the first five years, which reflected the seriousness of Sindh government to tackle this issue with a proper strategy.
“The climate-smart agricultural systems are the need of the hour that would help improve nutrition and food quality and, at the same time, reduce soil salinity, ensure food safety and counter the effects of drought.”
He also offered to conduct a seminar in collaboration with the environment and coastal development to sensitise stakeholders on the issue.
In the end, the secretary appreciated the EU assistance in a critical area and responded positively to the offer.
Team leader/chief adviser Muhammad Zeeshan Tariq also attended.
Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2020
