The Institute of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Sindh organised a one-day festival to mark World Food Day. The event was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri (TI).

More than 20 stalls were set up by the institute’s students, AR Lab, Nazir Lab, and various herbal companies and industries. The stalls featured foods, sugar-free sweets made from dates, apples, bananas and other fruits, fresh juices, chocolates, beverages, herbal medicines, books, clothing, home décor items, and free medical check-ups. The Vice Chancellor visited the stalls and received briefings from students about their products.

Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Sindh’s Main Campus Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Shah, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Prof. Dr. Naheed Kaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Nanik Ram, Director of the Institute Dr. Afsheen Shah, heads of various departments, and faculty members were also present on the occasion.

The Vice Chancellor also inaugurated the herbal garden and planted a sapling.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri said the festival aimed to highlight the importance of food and the benefits of traditional foods, while providing students with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, learn through practical experiences and build self-confidence.

He said malnutrition had become a major global challenge, with many people struggling to secure two meals a day. According to a United Nations report, 17 per cent of the food prepared daily was wasted.

He further said that people suffered from various diseases due to a lack of balanced nutrition and proper treatment. He particularly noted that 40 per cent of children suffered from stunted growth.

The Vice Chancellor said raising awareness about balanced nutrition, traditional foods and herbal products could help prevent various nutritional and health-related problems.

He added that the participation of herbal companies and industries in the festival would strengthen links between the institute and industry, while creating opportunities to introduce student-developed products to external markets.

On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor unveiled the first issue of the institute’s annual magazine, "Nutrition and Life". He congratulated the institute’s director and the magazine’s editor on the initiative.

Dr. Fida Hussain Khoso, Deputy Director Sindh Food Authority Hyderabad, Mr. Abbas Aziz Founder and CEO Libran Technologies and Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Junejo Co-Flounder and General Manager, Lasefa Bread also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of World Food Day.

The institute announced three cash prizes for the best product displays. The first prize went to a team led by Dr. Najaf Ali Soomro, comprising Misha, Rekha and Umme Habiba. Iqra Sheikh secured second position, while third position went to a team supervised by Dr. Naseem Aslam Channa, comprising Umama Aftab, Haya Urooj, Sadaf Qamar, Fatima Shakeel, Khizar Ali and Sher Muhammad. The Vice Chancellor distributed prizes among the winners.

Principal of Zuberi Girls College Benazir Junejo attended the event along with the college’s teachers and female students.

The programme was compered by Dr. Autif Hussain Mangi, Dr. Mahvish Channa and Dr. Gulzar.