Pakistan receives $350m WB, ADB aid to boost anti-locust operations

Locusts Emergency and Food Security Project to be submitted in upcoming CDWP meeting

ISLAMABAD: The national food security ministry is ensuring maximum financing for the anti-locust operations across the country with foreign assistance of $350 million provided by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said a press release issued by the ministry on Sunday.

The financing of $200 million from the World Bank and $150 million from the ADB would be considered under Locusts Emergency and Food Security Project (LEAFS). The press release added that the concept note had been approved by Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and the PC-I would be submitted in upcoming meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP).

“LEAFS is the first federal agricultural project financed by the World Bank in Pakistan,” the ministry said. “This is a direct response to the consensus that [the ministry’s] policy function and coordination role across provinces should be significantly strengthened,” it added.

The national food security ministry is responsible for the overall project implementation with the support of the provincial governments as well as the relevant national and international organisations. The project cost estimated at $200 million.

LEAFS project spans out its activities over 18 districts – 9 in Balochistan, 4 in Punjab, 4 in Sindh and 1 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ministry takes the overall coordination role of the project implementation through establishing a Federal Project Steering Committee (FPSC).

The ministry will also be responsible for approval of annual work plans, monitoring or reviewing financial reporting, third-party validation, midcourse corrections in the project and re-allocation of funds, according to the press release.

The primary beneficiaries of the project will be farmers and agricultural labourers of Pakistan who live in areas prone to desert locust infestation. For these groups, the proposed project will prevent locust infestations from damaging their livelihoods and provide compensatory income support opportunities.