News Desk
Quetta :A one-day training workshop was held at the Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) Head Office under the SOPRAN project, organized in collaboration with the Benazir Income Support Program, GIZ, and Nutrition International. The Social Security Support Programme for Adolescent Nutrition (SOPRAN) aims to educate BFA and food department officials on the significance of food fortification and the provincial strategies for its implementation.
The workshop focused on building capacity for quality assurance, quality control systems, and nutrient testing in food items, including flour. Participants were trained on best practices in ensuring the fortification of essential nutrients in commonly consumed foods.
The event was attended by Provincial Minister and Chairman of BFA, Haji Noor Mohammad Dumar; Secretary Food, Muzaffar Zeeshan Lehri; and Director General of BFA, Atiqullah Khan. Speaking on the occasion, Food Minister Haji Noor Mohammad Dumar emphasized the Balochistan Food Authority’s commitment to ensuring the public’s access to safe and nutritious food. He also acknowledged the support from Nutrition International, as well as from other governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Minister Dumar stressed that food safety, from farm to plate, is a fundamental right, and cultivating such a culture is essential to building a healthier society. He praised the SOPRAN project for its valuable contribution to improving the nutritional status of Pakistan’s population, particularly the needs of adolescents. The minister also highlighted the technical support provided by Nutrition International, noting that food fortification is a simple yet highly effective method to enhance public health, strengthen immunity, and prevent a variety of diseases.
During the workshop, Master Trainer Professor Yasir Durrani and Provincial Program Manager (NI) Syed Khalil Agha provided detailed briefings on the importance of food fortification and methods for testing the nutrient content of various food items.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the provincial minister distributed certificates to all participants in recognition of their participation and efforts.
