Governor Mandokhail opens first Balochistan Food Exhibition, says province can feed Pakistan

QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said that Balochistan is, geographically, a region well suited to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Agriculture and livestock are the main sources of income for its people. Balochistan has the capacity to meet the food needs of the whole of Pakistan.

He said the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors need to be placed on modern scientific lines. Local farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen should be given access to modern technology, resources and basic facilities.

Fruit and food products from Pakistan, and especially Balochistan, are widely liked internationally for their quality, taste and natural qualities. It is therefore necessary to introduce them to international markets so that the local economy grows and new job opportunities are created.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the first Balochistan Food Exhibition, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a United Nations agency, on the occasion of World Food Day. FAO Sub-Office head Waleed Mehdi, BUITEMS Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Hafeez, Agriculture College Principal Dr Shehenshah Khan, agriculture experts and a large number of young people were present.

Prospects for livestock and the coastline

The governor said it was an honour for him to be among the guests on two important occasions: the opening of the first Balochistan Food Exhibition 2026 and the World Food Day ceremony. Balochistan is essentially a region of livestock rearing and herding, with vast pastures and immense potential for livestock production and food exports.

He said the livestock sector is one of the strongest pillars of the rural economy. Zhob Division, with its vast monsoon pastures and valuable livestock resources, is a prominent example of the province’s potential. The livestock of this division alone could meet the food needs of about 2.5 million pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Traditional livestock practices must be turned into a modern, productive and export-oriented industry.

Governor Mandokhail said the long coastline of Gwadar and Makran likewise offers immense opportunities for sustainable fishing, seafood processing, aquaculture and industries linked to the sea. People in the coastal areas have valuable experience and skills in this sector.

Agriculture and the food exhibition

He said agriculture is also an important sector of Balochistan’s economy. The province is famous for high-quality olives, apples, grapes, cherries, pomegranates and dates, among other fruits. Loralai’s olives are of a high standard internationally. These products have every potential to win a prominent place in domestic and international markets.

By promoting cold storage, modern packaging, food processing and transport facilities, post-harvest losses can be reduced significantly and farmers’ incomes increased.

The Governor of Balochistan said World Food Day reminds us that millions of people around the world still face hunger, malnutrition and a lack of access to balanced food. In this context, the first food exhibition is not merely a display of agricultural products but an effective platform that brings farmers, researchers, investors, policymakers and consumers together in one place.

He said today’s exhibition will certainly become a permanent platform. FAO’s organisers and those taking part in the exhibition deserve praise for this. He expressed confidence that today’s ceremony and exhibition would mark the start of a new era of investment and practical action for the province and Pakistan.

At the end, the Governor of Balochistan inspected the stalls set up at the first Food Exhibition 2026.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan