TOBA TEK SINGH: University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan says nutritional biochemistry is playing a pivotal role in controlling malnutrition which is hitting a large population especially women and children.

He expressed these views during his address as chief guest at the opening session of the one-day symposium on nutritional biochemistry jointly organised by the department of biochemistry and the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences of the university on Monday.

He said development of the agriculture sector was essential to control malnutrition by providing better food for the growing population.

Executive member of Pakistan Science Academy Islamabad Prof Dr Anwarul Hassan Gilani said in this era, nutritional balance could be maintained not only through plants but also through more ingredients in normal diet and adopting healthy lifestyle and dietary habits.

Arid Agricultural University Rawalpindi former VC Dr Khalid Mehmood Khan praised the efforts and achievements of biochemistry worldwide and called it the best solution to overcome malnutrition. “Millions of people across the country are suffering from nutritional deficiency due to lack of availability of balanced food.” Dean Faculty of Sciences Dr Asghar Bajwa said in the modern era, health problems are worsening due to sedentary lifestyle. “We have to eat food keeping nutrition in view for a healthy life.”

Chairman department of biochemistry Dr Amir Jamil said the symposium would be able to formulate important recommendations to prevent increase in malnutrition.

Dr Kamran Sharif said the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences is paying full attention to making coordinated efforts with various departments to control malnutrition, which will produce positive results.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022