Climate forum planned to cut wheat imports

National forum to tackle food security as minister outlines livestock exports, seed certification push

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have agreed to organise a National Climate Forum to strengthen climate action in agriculture, as the country seeks to build resilience against the impacts of climate change despite its negligible contribution to global carbon emissions.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific Robert Simpson, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Friday.

Hussain appreciated FAO's longstanding partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged its support in strengthening the country's agriculture and food systems. He noted that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and emphasised the need for enhanced technical assistance and timely implementation of ongoing projects.

The FAO delegation briefed the minister on key areas of collaboration, including the One Health Programme, food safety and phytosanitary (SPS) systems, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable agricultural mechanisation, climate resilience under the Indus River Basin Programme, and the use of GIS, remote sensing and agrometeorological technologies to support climate-smart agriculture.

Simpson proposed organising a National Climate Forum in collaboration with the ministry to bring together government, development partners and the private sector. The minister welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed the government's commitment to climate-resilient agricultural development.

Hussain highlighted the government's priorities, including strengthening food safety and SPS systems, promoting climate-resilient certified seeds through NASDRA, expanding agricultural mechanisation and storage infrastructure, establishing Farmer Producer Organisations, implementing the One District, One Product initiative in selected underdeveloped districts, enhancing livestock exports through improved disease control, and reducing dependence on imported wheat and edible oil.

The FAO delegation said it would continue supporting Pakistan in mobilising funding from international financial institutions and development partners. Both sides also discussed FAO's upcoming policy report on Pakistan's food production and nutrition needs, as well as the One Country One Priority Product initiative, under which Pakistan is participating with Chilgoza, while Chaunsa Mango has been proposed for inclusion.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, livestock development and food security.