Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to harness artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and data governance to strengthen food security and modernise the country’s agrifood sector.
Speaking virtually at the High-Level Forum on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization and Data Governance for Food Security and Nutrition” in Rome, organised by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the minister said AI and digital technologies have become essential tools for improving agricultural productivity, enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security.
Rana Tanveer said agriculture and livestock remain the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, making digital transformation critical for improving productivity, strengthening supply chains, enhancing risk management and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
He said the government is investing in digital public infrastructure and integrated data systems to generate actionable insights for policymakers, researchers and farmers.
The minister highlighted the Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System, developed with FAO’s technical support, saying it has improved animal health management, food safety and livestock traceability. He also announced that Pakistan, in collaboration with FAO, is developing a Digital Animal Disease Reporting and Disease Intelligence System to strengthen disease surveillance and early warning capabilities.
Rana Tanveer stressed that responsible governance, including data privacy, transparency and equitable access to digital technologies, is essential to maximise the benefits of AI while addressing digital inequalities.
He also highlighted the Pakistan Subnational Food Systems Dashboard, developed with FAO support, which integrates data on food security, nutrition, agriculture and climate to support evidence-based policymaking.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with FAO, the CFS and other international partners to leverage AI and digital technologies in building resilient, sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.-ERMD
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