FAO, Balochistan govt unveil two projects
UN agency representative says investing in women’s empowerment along with men helps eradicate poverty
PHOTO: EXPRESS
QUETTA:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the government of Balochistan on Monday inaugurated two projects in Quetta for the rural communities of the province dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
The projects have the financial support of the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Aid and Trade (DFAT), according to a press release.
Balochistan Chief Minister’s Adviser on Livestock and Dairy Development Mitta Khan Kakar, Australian Deputy High Commissioner Brek Batley and FAO Representative in Pakistan Minà Dowlatchahi were the key guests on the occasion.
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The FAO representative said women made huge contributions to the rural economy by engaging in activities on and off farms and by looking after the household and family nutrition.
“Investing in women’s empowerment along with men helps eradicate poverty,” she said, adding that improved food security and nutrition helped achieve economic growth.
Building upon its first phase, the Australian Balochistan Agri Business Programme (AusABBA) Phase II is a six-year partnership between the Australian government and the FAO. As many as 175,000 male and female farmers in Chagai, Kech, Kharan, Nushki, Panjgur and Washuk districts of Balochistan benefitted from the first phase, says the press release.
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In Phase II, resource-poor male and female crop and livestock farmers will be organised in informal Farmer Marketing Collectives (FMCs) and connected to markets for Balochistan-specific commodities such as onion, fruits, livestock, wool, meat, poultry, and dates.
It is expected that traders, processors, wholesalers and fresh buyers of modern and traditional retail and wholesale markets would also benefit from the linkages created as a result.
The second project is also linked with the AusABBA II, helping empower women associated with agriculture in Balochistan. As per statistics cited in the statement, around 445 women have already been trained in agribusiness.
Women enterprise development will be the main focus of the project. After its completion, “10 women agri enterprises comprising of 200 women would be able to operate their own businesses and increase their income by 25 per cent. In addition, 400 women will receive literacy and numeracy training in Chagai, Nushki, and Quetta”.
FAO Project Manager in Balochistan Marcel Stallen, Australian High Commission’s First Secretary for Development Dave Preston and senior government officials were also present on the occasion.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the government of Balochistan on Monday inaugurated two projects in Quetta for the rural communities of the province dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
The projects have the financial support of the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Aid and Trade (DFAT), according to a press release.
Balochistan Chief Minister’s Adviser on Livestock and Dairy Development Mitta Khan Kakar, Australian Deputy High Commissioner Brek Batley and FAO Representative in Pakistan Minà Dowlatchahi were the key guests on the occasion.
Marri inaugurates health camp in Kohlu
The FAO representative said women made huge contributions to the rural economy by engaging in activities on and off farms and by looking after the household and family nutrition.
“Investing in women’s empowerment along with men helps eradicate poverty,” she said, adding that improved food security and nutrition helped achieve economic growth.
Building upon its first phase, the Australian Balochistan Agri Business Programme (AusABBA) Phase II is a six-year partnership between the Australian government and the FAO. As many as 175,000 male and female farmers in Chagai, Kech, Kharan, Nushki, Panjgur and Washuk districts of Balochistan benefitted from the first phase, says the press release.
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In Phase II, resource-poor male and female crop and livestock farmers will be organised in informal Farmer Marketing Collectives (FMCs) and connected to markets for Balochistan-specific commodities such as onion, fruits, livestock, wool, meat, poultry, and dates.
It is expected that traders, processors, wholesalers and fresh buyers of modern and traditional retail and wholesale markets would also benefit from the linkages created as a result.
The second project is also linked with the AusABBA II, helping empower women associated with agriculture in Balochistan. As per statistics cited in the statement, around 445 women have already been trained in agribusiness.
Women enterprise development will be the main focus of the project. After its completion, “10 women agri enterprises comprising of 200 women would be able to operate their own businesses and increase their income by 25 per cent. In addition, 400 women will receive literacy and numeracy training in Chagai, Nushki, and Quetta”.
FAO Project Manager in Balochistan Marcel Stallen, Australian High Commission’s First Secretary for Development Dave Preston and senior government officials were also present on the occasion.