Lahore: (Monday, December 29, 2025): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has said that the growing population and climate change are major challenges to food security, and if crop production is not increased, the country will not be able to meet its national food requirements in the future. He was chairing a meeting on the National Food Security Policy at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Punjab University. The meeting was attended by Chairman Pakistan Academy of Sciences Professor Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Director CEMB Dr. Muaz ur Rehman, experts on national food security, scientists, and policymakers. Addressing the meeting, the Federal Minister said that Pakistan does not lack talent in any sector, but research is essential for development and improvement. He added that the benefits of research in institutions are always long-term; however, due to the absence of immediate results, governments often show less interest in investing in research. Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that national security is closely linked with food security, and there is a need for extensive work in food research. He said that climate change is having the most severe impact on the agriculture sector, leading to increased production costs and other challenges. He said that protecting agriculture and farmers is the responsibility of the government. He announced that the government will purchase 6 million tons of wheat from farmers at the rate of Rs. 3,500 per maund. He stated that wheat is the country’s most essential crop and that Pakistan must achieve self-sufficiency in its production.