LAHORE, 29 AUG (DNA) – Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) on Monday organized a national workshop on ‘Organic Food and Health: Avenues of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ in University of Management and Technology, Lahore. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest. Dr. Farrukh Javed, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Punjab was also present on the occasion as a guest of honour.

The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries including Heads of R&D organizations, Vice Chancellors of varied universities, eminent scientists, representatives of foreign missions, international donors, representatives of private sector/industry, civil society and others.

While addressing the workshop, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology appreciated the role of PCST in organizing this workshop and providing a platform to the participants for creating awareness about this important topic, discussing the challenges faced and to explore the possible solutions and availing opportunities.

He assured that MoST is committed to support every effort in promotion of scientific awareness in the country that would improve living standards, economic development and prosperity of present an next generations.

He further stated that besides uplifting the health standards of our society, organic food has the potential to alleviate poverty by providing large scale employment to unskilled & semi-skilled labor force, thus uplifting the economy. He stressed on the significance of organic food and its positive role to address health challenges posed by changing lifestyle and growing stress of modern competitive life.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Anwar-ul- Hassan Gilani, Chairman, Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, expressed his sincere gratitude to the speakers and participants in the workshop from all over the country.

In his welcome address, Prof. Gilani welcomed the participants and said that the workshop brought together scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, organic farmers and members of civil society to share ideas and knowledge about various aspects of organic food and health and for exploring potential funding opportunities and way forward for rapid growth of organic food sector.

He also shared his research experience on functional foods as effective and safe remedy for chronic diseases, like diabetes, Heart Disease etc. in terms of organic farming. Guest of Honor, Dr. Farrukh Javed, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Punjab appreciated the initiative of PCST for creating awareness regarding food security and especially of organic food security. He encouraged the researchers to explore more in the field of organic farming.

Prof. Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, VC University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore who was the Guest of Honor said that organic food is healthier and has advantages over non-organic food. Therefore an increase can be seen in the demand for organic food over the past few years.

Considering the significance of the topic for health and improving the quality of life of common people by creating awareness about organic food and opportunities of entrepreneurship, the workshop attracted a large number of audiences from different walks of life. The response for participation in this workshop was very encouraging and participants came to attend the workshop from all over the country. DNA