The Food Grain Security has become a major concern globally and its severity has been escalated with the economic recession all around. This was stated by UAF Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing the participants of inaugural session of “International Conference on Sustainable Food Grain Production, Challenges and Opportunities” organized by Pakistan Society of Agronomy as a Chief Guest at Iqbal Auditorium on Monday.

Dr. Khan added that achieving sustainability in food grain production and food security in its totality continues to be a challenge in the developing world including Pakistan. He maintained that to obtain food security is a three dimensional task focusing on adequacy of food, ample access to food and reliability of both supply and access.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that a minimum level of health, status that converts food in take to support a healthy body is another essential condition for the achievement of food security. “This implies a close link between poverty and food in security” he added. Dr. Khan maintained that poverty is the largest cause of food and security and will contribute to the perpetuation of poverty.

Dr. Masood Amjad Rana, National Project Director Crop Maximization Program in his plenary lecture on National Food Security said that in 50 years, the population of Pakistan has increased fourfold, during the past 50 years a significant increase in production of major crops has been achieved. He added that wheat production rose from 3.3 million tons in 1950-51 to about 24 million tons in 2008-09, similarly during this period rice production rose from 0.86 to 7 million tons.

He maintained that pulses production accounted for 0.755 million tons during 2008-09 which contributes total grain production at about 35 million tons which is a positive agronomic achievement that can be enhanced through better management and agronomic practices keeping in view the agro-ecological zones.

Prof. Dr. Zahid Ata Cheema, President Pakistan Society of Agronomy while presenting welcome address told that the agriculture grew by more than 4% per annum in 60’s, fell to 2.6% in the 70’s and again picked up in the 80’s. He added that the growth performance by different sub-sectors has also shown large fluctuations over time. Dr. Cheema said that Pakistan turn from self sufficiency in to a major importer of edible oils which imports represent 65% of domestic consumption.

He maintained that the area under traditional oil seeds has been declining and the yield has remained static. He revealed that the main reason for this decline has been the price policy which due to excessive concern with consumer interest, kept the price of edible oil low.

Dr. Ahmad A. Kandeel, from Egypt, Dr. Satesh C. Sharma and Dr. M. Zaheer-ud-Din from Bangladesh also spoke on the occasion. Hafiz Muhammad Akram, General Secretary Pakistan Society of Agronomy conducted the seminar. The Scientists from various countries and Pakistan attended the Conference.