RAWALPINDI: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) representative in Pakistan Florence Rolle on Tuesday emphasised the role of collaborative policies, sustainable practices and community engagement in ensuring food security in the country.

She was speaking at the three-day 9th International Horticulture Conference and Exhibition 2025 held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Tuesday.

She stressed the need for policies that prioritise food rights, promote equitable resource distribution and provide essential food for populations.

The conference was organised with the objectives of knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration, promoting sustainability, policy advocacy, and engaging young professionals and students in horticulture.

It also aimed to provide them with insights and opportunities to become future leaders in the field.

The FAO representative urged the promotion of sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and women’s empowerment in Pakistan.

Ms Florence Rolle was of the view that horticultural products play an essential role in diversifying diets, improving nutrition and ensuring food security for the population.

“Many smallholder farmers engage in horticultural activities, enhancing their income and improving their quality of life”, she added.

PMAS-AAUR Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Naeem said that experts on horticulture, food security and climate change will participate to assess the sensitivity of the matter and develop a comprehensive road map for considerable policy guidelines in key identified spheres.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Professor Muhammad Azam Khan, the organiser of the conference said that 300 abstracts were received from national/international scholars and seven technical sessions will be held during the three-day conference.

More than 350 scholars from national and international organisations, including delegates from China, Turkiye, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Nigeria are participating in the conference.

A horticultural expo and spring flower show is also a part of the conference.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025