Seed security project aims to tackle climate crisis
A farmer holds hybrid red chili pepper seeds on his palm as he plants saplings, in Kunri, Umerkot, Pakistan, March 18, 2022. Devastating floods across Pakistan in August and September after several years of high temperatures, have left chilli farmers struggling in a country heavily dependent on agriculture, where officials have estimated $40 billion of flood damages. "When I was a child, the heat was never so intense. We used to have a plentiful crop, now it has become so hot, and the rains are so scarce that our yields have dwindled," farmer Leman Raj, 40, said. REUTERS
Extreme weather events and disasters caused by climate change are no longer distant concerns, with communities now at the forefront of experiencing its impacts. In Pakistan, agro-pastoral communities continue to face the harsh realities of the climate crisis, alongside economic challenges and soaring prices for essentials like food and agricultural supplies.
In response, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Unilever have teamed up to launch the "Pakistan Seed Security Prototype," an initiative aimed at building resilience within farming communities through green entrepreneurship to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The report, released at the "Pakistan's Humanitarian Future Event 2025," outlines the commitment of both Unilever and IRC to enhance climate resilience through initiatives focused on strengthening seed systems, reducing disaster risks, and transitioning livelihoods over the next five years. The event served as a critical platform to address the growing impacts of climate change on Pakistan's preparedness and response strategies.
At the launch ceremony, Romina Khursid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, highlighted Pakistan's increasing reliance on glaciers and rivers for water, stressing that the country is facing severe water shortages. This shortage is exacerbating challenges for agriculture, a cornerstone of Pakistan's economy and survival. "Our agriculture is significantly threatened by water scarcity, and we need to invest in long-term solutions to tackle these challenges," she said, calling the Seed Security Prototype an essential innovation for fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The report's findings reveal that farmers in Pakistan are struggling with the declining quality and availability of seeds, while the unpredictable and extreme weather conditions worsen the situation. These challenges have disrupted agricultural cycles, resulting in significant economic consequences and pushing many farmers further into debt and poverty.