Food Security Analysis in Pakistan: A Multi-Indicator Approach

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the food security situation in Pakistan. It examines the different dimensions of food security in Pakistan by analysing the underlying indicators developed by FAO. The study reveals that although the average food availability in terms of average calorie supply per capita in the country has increased from 1870 to 2450 during 1961-2013 but the average food deficit per person per day is still present in the country. Food security index shows that, despite the overall increase in food production or availability of food, the food security situation is deteriorating over time in Pakistan and it is a serious matter of concern for the policy makers to think about it. Although, agricultural production is increased but speed of this increment is slow as compare to the growth of population. Since, agricultural output is the only source of food supply. Hence, it is necessary to raise agricultural growth to make Pakistan as a food secure country. However, Government is continuously ignoring agricultural sector and resources are shifted to industrial and services sector in order to improve their performance. How the performance of these sectors affects the agricultural growth is an important question to analyse the future of food supply in the country.