FAO In Sindh

Enhancing Programmatic Synergy Between FAO and the Government

In a bid to strengthen technical collaboration and enhance programmatic synergy, FAO and the Planning and Development Board of Sindh had a meeting on September 25, 2024 to reinforce ongoing partnership between FAO and the Government of Sindh in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable water management. Convened by the Chairman P&D  Mr. Najam Ahmed Shah and attended by the FAO Representative Ms. Florence Rolle, the meeting was attended by FAO technical officers and senior government officials.  This was a build up of earlier dialogues between FAO and technical departments implementing  Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project led by   Mr. Nazir Ahmed Memon, Project Coordinator, PCMU-SWAT.

Successful interventions and emerging lessons from three development projects—Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management Project, Strengthening Resilience of Agro-Pastoralists in Sindh, and Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress—which align with the province’s goals for sustainable agriculture and rural development were of focus. Interventions agreed upon for potential scaling up across the province include:

  • Agriculture Climate and Water (ACWA) Portal and Crop Mapping;
  • Market Information System for real-time data collection;
  • Climate-Resilient Farming techniques;
  • Value Chain Development; and
  • Farmer Field School approach.

The Chairman of P&D commended FAO’s collaborative approach, particularly under the GCF project, and emphasized the importance of integrating these climate-smart practices into the government’s extension services.

FAO’s Commitment to Nutrition and Value Chain Development on Display in Khairpur

As part of its broader outreach, FAO made a strong presence at the Nutrition Exhibition 2024, hosted by the International Rescue Committee at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, on 25th and 26th September. FAO showcased its ongoing efforts in value chain development under the EU-funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project. Through GRASP, FAO is empowering small-scale farmers, particularly women, to improve their agricultural practices, gain access to markets, and secure better incomes. This, in turn, supports families in securing nutritious food, promoting better nutrition across rural communities.

The exhibition provided an excellent platform for farmers to directly engage with various stakeholders including Mr Carlo De Rosa, development adviser for Rural Development and Nutrition at the European Union (EU) delegation to Pakistan. It is with the critical support of EU that has enabled the success of projects like GRASP. By transforming agrifood systems and strengthening value chains, FAO, with EU support, is ensuring equitable access to nutritious food and improving livelihoods in the region.

Conservation of Rangelands

Within the framework of the European Union funded “Strengthening Resilience of Agro-pastoralists in Sindh (SRAS)” project, FAO in collaboration with the Arid Zone Research Center and Thardeep Rural Development Programme inaugurated community-managed tree nurseries in Umerkot and Tharparkar, with a focus on agroforestry and environmental sustainability. The event held in August 2024, featured a symbolic tree plantation ceremony at which more than 10,000 seedlings of assorted indigenous tree varieties were distributed to community members, promoting participatory rangeland management. This initiative is part of FAO’s ongoing commitment to restore and conserve Sindh’s natural ecosystem, addressing the challenges posed by effects of climate change and degradation.

By end of September 2024, around 77,000 drought-tolerant trees, including Jajube, Acacia, Kandi, and Moringa, had been successfully transplanted in pasturelands. Additionally, 255,000 seedlings for fruit trees such as Jajube, dates, and lemons have been established in 21 nurseries and will be transplanted in identified areas of Umerkot and Tharparkar districts. These efforts aim to create a resilient ecosystem that not only combats drought but also supports nutrition and livelihoods in general. The  long-term goal is ecological stability and environmental benefits for the agro-pastoral communities of Sindh.

Farmers learning the Latest Practices in the Date Industry

FAO participated in the inaugural Date Palm International Festival 2024 at the Karachi Expo Center, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s date production and exports. The event, organized by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan in collaboration with the UAE Embassy, attracted 150 delegates from eight countries.

Two SMEs from Khairpur accompanied FAO’s team and showcased their products, while twenty farmers from Sindh attended for exposure to international best practices. The excitement among participants underscored the festival’s potential to grow innovation and collaboration in the date industry, paving the way for enhanced local and international opportunities.

A Simple Change, A Big Impact

Gulbahar, a banana farmer from the village of Muhammad Ilyas Buriro in Shaheed Benazirabad, recently adopted a new, environmentally friendly farming practice learned in FAO’s Farmer Climate Business Schools under the EU funded GRASP project. Like many farmers, he previously burned banana stems after harvest, unknowingly contributing to waste and environmental pollution.

However, through the training, he discovered a simple yet impactful alternative: chopping the banana stems and leaving them in the orchard to decompose naturally. This method not only prevents pollution but also enriches the soil with organic matter, boosting its health and fertility. Since adopting this practice in November 2023, Gulbahar has seen a 20% reduction in fertilizer costs and better growth in his banana crop. Gulbahar’s success is now inspiring neighboring farmers to follow suit.

Revival of Ramesh’s Farm Through Climate-Resilient Practices

Ramesh Kumar, a dedicated farmer from Iqbal Hussain Gill village in Umerkot, has worked tirelessly for 15 years to support his family. However, repeated floods in 2010, 2020, and 2022 devastated his land, leading to poor soil fertility and diminishing crop yields.

Through weekly sessions in FAO’s Climate Business Field School under the Green Climate Fund project, he learned climate-resilient practices, including deep ploughing, composting, and intercropping, which significantly improved soil structure and fertility. Ramesh applied these practices on his farm, where he also conducted his first-ever germination test for cotton seeds.

Deep ploughing helped break the hardpan in his soil, enhancing water retention and nutrient balance. Composting improved soil health, and responsible use of fertilizers and bio-pest control methods protected his crops. Despite heavy rains in 2024, Ramesh successfully harvested 20 mounds of cotton per acre, with an additional 10 mounds expected.

Empowering Livestock Field Facilitators to Strengthen Food Security

Under the USAID-funded “Revival of Livelihoods, Food Security & Nutrition of Flood Affected Population in Sindh” project, FAO successfully trained 40 Farmer Field School Facilitator in Shaheed Benazirabad. The 21-day intensive training equipped them with skills in the FFS methodology, animal health, disease prevention, nutrition, and sustainable livestock management. The goal is to equip farmers with skills and knowledge vital in helping them recover from the devastating floods and build their resilience against future challenges.

Following the completion of the training, the facilitators established a total of 32 FFSs nucleus learning sites, each comprised of 25 livestock farmers, who are organized to jointly learn various aspects of livestock and fodder production. Weekly sessions are conducted with farmers introducing them to good livestock management practices.

These sessions aim to enhance farmers’ understanding and implementation of climate-resilient livestock practices. A “learning by doing” approach is employed, enabling farmers to engage in practical trials and experiments. This hands-on method is designed to empower farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve their livestock management strategies.

Climate Monitoring Tower in Sindh

FAO has taken yet another step towards advancement in agricultural research and environmental monitoring with the installation of an Eddy Covariance Flux Tower at the experimental farm of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU). This state-of-the-art tower is equipped to monitor key environmental parameters such as gas emissions, energy fluxes, temperature, rainfall, and humidity between the earth’s surface and the atmosphere.

The data collected from the flux tower is transmitted to a central Data Center via Aqua Portal, providing real-time, accurate information essential for agricultural planning and climate research. This installation marked a significant shift from reliance on external sources for vital agricultural, irrigation, and weather data, offering local farmers, researchers, extension workers, and students’ precise information to improve crop management and risk mitigation. Additionally, the tower plays a crucial role in FAO’s broader initiative to monitor atmospheric changes impacting agriculture, further strengthening collaboration between academia and institutions to enhance data-driven decision-making for sustainable agricultural practices. See More>>>

 

Baseline Study Validation Workshop in Shaheed Benazirabad

On September 25th, the MEAL unit held a dynamic baseline study validation and learning workshop for the USAID-funded project in the Shaheed Benazirabad district of Sindh. The event brought together over 70 participants from diverse sectors, including government departments, academia, INGOs, NGOs, local communities, and project beneficiaries.

The workshop was inaugurated by the Deputy FAOR, Deputy Country Director of WFP, and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Shaheed Benazirabad, setting a tone of collaboration and commitment. The primary objective was to establish benchmarks for measuring the project’s impact through a comprehensive baseline study jointly conducted by FAO and WFP.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions, reflecting on findings and exchanging knowledge. The session allowed for the validation of results and offered valuable stakeholder feedback, ensuring the project remains adaptive and impactful as it moves forward.

Integrated Disaster Preparedness for Resilience Building

FAO and WFP have initiated a new project titled “Pakistan – Integrated Disaster Preparedness  for Resilience Building” in Khairpur, Sindh, funded by ECHO. As part of its rollout, the teams conducted consultative meetings with  Khairpur’s District Administration, including the Deputy Commissioner and ADC II to ensure effective implementation, and with the local communities to further articulate the planned activities.

This disaster preparedness project aims to equip communities with the necessary skills and tools to mitigate the effects of potential disasters, enhancing their resilience and safeguarding their livelihoods in the future.

Rehabilitation of Livestock Shelters in Flood-Affected Districts of Sindh

In response to the significant losses suffered by Pakistan’s agriculture sector during the 2022 floods, FAO, with financial support from the Government of Japan, is rehabilitating livestock shelters in the flood-affected districts of Sanghar and Badin, Sindh. A total of 304 livestock shelters are being constructed. This initiative marks a milestone for FAO’s emergency projects in Sindh, providing flood-resistant, durable shelters that will not only enhance livestock productivity but also strengthen resilience against future disasters.

Keeping the Farmers Updated with Price Trends

In September 2024, both Tharparkar and Umerkot districts saw mixed price trends compared to August. An analysis by government departments involved in the “Strengthening Resilience of Agro-Pastoralists in Sindh” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO.

Wheat flour prices decreased in Tharparkar but remained stable in Umerkot, while basmati rice continued to decline in both districts. Pulses reflected varied movements, with pulse moong stable in Tharparkar but rising in Umerkot, while pulse mash saw slight decreases in both regions. In the vegetable and fruit markets, banana prices dropped, tomato prices slightly decreased, and onion prices surged in Tharparkar. The livestock sector experienced a sharp rise in egg prices and a slight drop in live chicken prices in both districts. Fertilizer prices revealed similar trends, with Urea prices declining and DAP prices increasing in both districts, alongside slight variations in other fertilizers.

FAO in Sindh

Sindh Province in Pakistan holds immense agricultural potential. It is endowed with arable land, abundant surface and groundwater, and a diverse climate that supports the cultivation of a wide array of crops and livestock production. The extensive canal system fed by the Indus River enables the irrigation of vast agricultural lands. The early harvests for key crops, ahead of other provinces, give Sindh a competitive edge in markets. Additionally, Sindh’s strategic location with access to ports offers opportunities for international trade, making it a critical hub for agricultural exports.

FAO programming is Sindh has largely been informed by the challenges affecting agricultural production, productivity and agro markets. Thus, focus has been on promoting appropriate climate change adaptation practices; building resilience of agro pastoral communities; improving livestock production; strengthening extension services; value chain development; and improving analysis for response through anticipatory actions, food security analysis and real time digital tools.

In a bid to transform the agri-food systems amidst growing threats driven by climate change, which can no longer be addressed by conventional practices, the multi-disciplinary team in the province supported by the country office has over the last two years been exploring innovative and alternative partnerships and approaches to tacking the underlying drivers of vulnerability in the province.