Future Food Demand for Pakistan: An Analysis

Abstract

Food is a basic human need and right of all individuals. Every nation is trying to be self-sufficient in food production. Pakistan is a developing country, facing challenges of increased population and food demand. In this study, the demand for certain food commodity groups is projected for the future in Pakistan after an analysis of current household food demand. Data is obtained from Pakistan Panel Household Survey (PPHS) conducted by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) 2021. The demand elasticity is calculated by using the linear approximation/almost ideal demand system (LA/AIDS) model, and food demand predictions are made using a straight forward growth model. According to the empirical findings, milk and meat are considered luxuries while food items like grains, pulses, ghee, sugar, and vegetables are added as basic requirements. On the basis of the available previous data obtained from farmer mentioned sources, future food demand for the country is projected. Study is significant for government policy makers’ in devising policies to meet the food demand in future.