Media Update: United Nations Pakistan,20 January 2025

FAO

PRESS RELEASE

FAO Representative Florence Rolle Visits Quetta to Strengthen Collaboration on Sustainable Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Management Projects

Quetta, January 17, 2025 - Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, visited Quetta to foster collaboration with key Balochistan government officials, participate in the introductory meeting of the EU-funded project, "Post Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan", and visit project sites under the EU-funded "Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP)".

FAOR Florence Rolle accompanied by Waleed Mahdi, Head of FAO Office Balochistan, and James Okoth, Head of FAO Office Sindh, held productive meetings with Ali Akbar Baloch, Secretary Agriculture; Tayyab Lehri, Secretary Livestock; Noor Ahmed Pirkani, Secretary Forest; and DG PDMA, Rafiq Ghorezai. The discussions centred on enhancing collaboration between FAO and the Government of Balochistan to advance sustainable practices in agriculture, livestock, irrigation, and forestry.

FAOR Florence also attended the introductory meeting of the "Post Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan" project, where key decisions were made regarding the composition of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), its Terms of Reference (ToRs), and district selection criteria.

In the field, FAOR Florence laid the foundation for the rehabilitation of Quetta's Chashma Achozai Karez, an underground water channel serving over 3,000 residents and irrigating approximately 500 acres of farmland. The ongoing rehabilitation will enhance water access and agricultural sustainability for the community. She also observed the rehabilitation of earthen bunds in Chashma Achozai, which aim to improve grazing areas and increase forage availability for livestock.

In Killi Atakzai village, Hanna Urak, Quetta, FAOR Florence inaugurated the first of ninety-nine climate-adaptive animal shelters, which are being built in various districts of Balochistan under the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP). These shelters integrate rooftop water harvesting techniques and improved hygiene facilities to promote sustainable livestock management. The initiative ensures equitable access for female farmers, underscoring FAO's commitment to fostering inclusivity and sustainable development.

FAOR Florence visited the Farmer Field School in Killi Sufi Khuchlak Village, where farmers are learning innovative onion farming techniques, including seed testing, certification, and water-efficient trickle irrigation. These practices are contributing to increased incomes and enhanced water productivity.

FAOR Florence also visited a local beneficiary's field, where FAO's distribution of certified Alfalfa seeds is enriching soil fertility, boosting fodder availability, and improving livestock health -key elements in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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