UN body to provide funds worth USD 35 mn for agriculture sector

Islamabad: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has decided to finance a USD 35 million project using their Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve water management and agriculture in the Indus River Basin, according to news sources.

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The approval is the FAO’s attempt at securing this important food-producing region against the impending effects of climate change. This first approval under this initiative is being lauded as a positive step forward in the FAO’s attempts to help and support developing countries fight climate change. The FAO hopes to help countries build resilience, according to FAO Deputy Director General of Climate and Natural Resources Maria Helena Semedo.
The Indus River Basin is the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture. It produces above 90% of the country’s agricultural produce and employs more than 25% of the country’s total labour force. Unfortunately, millions of people have been adversely affected by flooding and prolonged droughts over the past few years.

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Such extreme and unpredictable weather conditions are anticipated to become more severe in the coming years owing to climate change. Water is expected to become scarce and more difficult for farmers to use due to rising temperatures and changing patterns of precipitation. This will directly put at risk the livelihoods of Indus Basin Farmers as well as the food security of the entire country.
The provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh have collectively pledged an additional USD 12.7 million to co-finance the project, which will be managed by the FAO. Collectively, the project’s funding now stands at a total of USD 47 million, which will benefit approximately 1.3 million people.