It is a matter of grave concern that majority of school-going, college and university students don’t take breakfast properly, affecting their physical, mental growth and abilities. It was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar while addressing a seminar titled “Home Economics to Home Sciences” arranged by Institute of Home Sciences, UAF at New Senate Hall.
He showed his concern that parents don’t pay attention to food habits of children. The children preferred fast, junk food, bakery items, and soft drinks etc than homemade food. He said that junk food was not good for health. The education about nutritive and balanced food will help overcome the issue. He called for food fortification to address the issue of malnutrition and food insecurity. He said despite having plenty of food, we were facing malnutrition crisis. He urged people to use balances usage of diet and to adopt physical activities in their daily lives. Director General National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology Dr Tahir Zahoor said that with low investment, the women can become entrepreneur by selling their food in the offices etc. He said that the women must keep the nutrition aspect of the food in their mind before serving to their families. He said that it was need of the hour to educate public about balanced usage of diet and healthy lifestyle. He said according to National Nutrition Survey, the women and children were facing massive nutrient deficiencies. Home Sciences In-charge Dr Ayesha Riaz said as many as 51 per cent of women were anaemic, 47 per cent suffering from zinc deficiency, 46 per cent from vitamin A deficiency and 68 per cent from vitamin D deficiency. She urged the women to excel their entrepreneur skills to become a job provider rather than seekers. She said that women can earn heavy money in the food and designing industry. Dr Gazala Pervaiz from College of Home Sciences Lahore stressed upon women to learn skills of business management and entrepreneurship to play their key role in socioeconomic development of the country. She said that the food industry had lot of potential from which they can get their share by developing their products. Dr Shaheen from College of Home Sciences Lahore said women were playing an intensive role not only as house-keepers but also as the working force in all aspects of life. Dr Atya Inam and Dr Rafia Tahir, Dr Sana Arif, Dr Binish Sarwar and others also spoke on the occasion.