Effective access to food supply is vital to overcome the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, says Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed.

In her address to the public in commemoration of the World Food Day marked on Friday, the minister noted that food makes up one of the most crucial elements of life, both socially and traditionally.

As food is linked to life, Zaha highlighted that easy access to healthy food is important to overcome the negative impacts of the ongoing pandemic.

In this regard, the minister noted that especially communities facing food scarcity need to be prioritized when providing access to food.

Stressing that the World Food Day falls amid a deadly pandemic this year, Zaha noted that she is pleased to see local farmers resilient in their work to provide for the agricultural sector.

Highlighting that fulfillment of food will only be acquired through collaborative efforts, Zaha extended the day’s felicitations to farmers, fishers as well as all industry workers.

The impact of malnutrition in all its forms under nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, as well as overweight and obesity, on the global economy is estimated at USD 3.5 trillion per year, the ministry revealed.