Rana Tanveer Hussain highlights AI, digital governance and data-driven agriculture as key pillars for sustainable food security and climate resilience.
Pakistan has called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and effective data governance to strengthen global food security, improve nutrition and build resilient agrifood systems capable of addressing future challenges.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain made these remarks while virtually addressing the High-Level Forum on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization and Data Governance for Food Security and Nutrition.”
The international event was jointly organized by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, Italy.
Pakistan Stresses Need for Digital Transformation in Agriculture
The minister appreciated the efforts of CFS, FAO, WFP, IFAD and partner organizations for bringing together global stakeholders at a time when food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change and sustainable development require innovative and technology-driven solutions.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vision for agricultural modernization, Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture and livestock continue to serve as the backbone of the national economy, providing livelihoods to millions of people across the country.
He emphasized that digital innovation has become essential for increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening food supply chains, improving climate resilience and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Government Investing in Modern Digital Infrastructure
The minister informed participants that the Government of Pakistan is expanding investments in digital public infrastructure and advanced data systems across the agrifood sector.
He said the objective is not limited to digitization but extends to building integrated, interoperable and inclusive digital platforms capable of generating actionable intelligence for policymakers, researchers, service providers and farmers.
He also highlighted the successful implementation of the Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System, developed with technical assistance from FAO. According to the minister, the initiative is improving animal health management, food safety, product traceability and market access for livestock exports.
New Digital Disease Reporting System Under Development
Rana Tanveer Hussain further revealed that Pakistan, in collaboration with FAO, is developing a Digital Animal Disease Reporting and Disease Intelligence System. The platform will harmonize disease reporting from provincial to federal levels, strengthen early warning mechanisms and improve responses to animal diseases, zoonotic threats and future pandemics.
He stressed that technological advancement must be accompanied by responsible governance, ensuring data privacy, transparency, accountability and equitable access to digital technologies while reducing digital inequalities through improved infrastructure, connectivity and digital literacy.
The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s Subnational Food Systems Dashboard, developed with FAO support, which integrates food security, nutrition, agriculture, climate and socioeconomic indicators to help policymakers make informed decisions.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation, he said the country will continue working closely with global partners to harness AI and digital innovation for resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems.
