Pakistan is being urged to consider replacing tobacco with staple food crops in order to address the prevalent issue of food insecurity and improve public health. According to experts in nutrition, agriculture, and the environment, this transition could have significant benefits for the country.
It has been reported that over a third of Pakistan’s population faced food insecurity in 2018, highlighting the pressing need for a shift in agricultural practices. Furthermore, the importation of food staples due to a shortage of hard currency has posed challenges to the agricultural sector.
Advocates for the transition emphasize the potential positive impacts on food security, public health, and overall community well-being. They argue that by replacing tobacco cultivation with food production, the country can create a ripple effect towards a more sustainable and secure future.
While concerns have been raised regarding the economic contribution of tobacco cultivation, proponents of the transition point out that the societal costs of addressing the health impacts of tobacco consumption far outweigh the income generated from tobacco cultivation.
It is clear that the transition from tobacco to food crops could be a key factor in addressing the intertwined issues of food security and public health in Pakistan. This effort aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable development and improving the overall well-being of the population.
For more information, visit [1] at IECIE.
References:
[1] “Swapping Tobacco Growing Into Crops Farming Vital To Overcome Food Insecurity, Health Risks: Experts” – UrduPoint
