Quetta: Florence Rolle, the FAO Representative in Pakistan, embarked on a crucial visit to Quetta aimed at enhancing collaboration with Balochistan’s government. The visit included participation in key meetings and site visits related to the EU-funded projects focused on sustainable agricultural practices and resilient recovery in the livestock sector.
According to a statement by United Nations Pakistan, Rolle, accompanied by regional FAO leaders, engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials, including Ali Akbar Baloch, Secretary of Agriculture, and Tayyab Lehri, Secretary of Livestock. The meetings focused on the collaborative advancement of sustainable practices in agriculture, livestock, irrigation, and forestry within the province.
Rolle’s visit also featured her attendance at the introductory meeting of the “Post Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan” project. Here, significant decisions were made regarding the project’s steering committee, its terms of reference, and criteria for district selection.
During the visit, Rolle laid the foundation for the rehabilitation of the Chashma Achozai Karez, an underground water channel pivotal for local agriculture and residents. The project aims to enhance water access and sustainability for the community, while additional efforts focus on improving grazing areas through the rehabilitation of earthen bunds.
In Killi Atakzai village, Rolle inaugurated the first of ninety-nine climate-adaptive animal shelters as part of the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme. These shelters incorporate innovative features like rooftop water harvesting to support sustainable livestock management, with a focus on equitable access for female farmers.
Further initiatives include a visit to the Farmer Field School in Killi Sufi Khuchlak Village, where farmers are adopting new onion farming techniques to boost income and water productivity. Rolle also observed the distribution of certified Alfalfa seeds to local farmers, enhancing soil fertility and livestock health, vital components of sustainable agricultural development.
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