Japan-Funded FAO Project Revives Farming in Flood-Hit Pakistan

ISLAMABAD — A Japan-funded Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) project has successfully concluded, providing crucial support to flood-affected farming and livestock communities in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Backed by USD 6.48 million from the Government of Japan, the initiative has helped over 74,000 households recover their livelihoods, improve food security, and build resilience against future disasters.

The project responded to the devastation caused by the historic 2022 floods, which destroyed crops, killed livestock, and displaced millions. More than 520,000 people benefited through a comprehensive package that combined crop production support, livestock aid, and targeted assistance for female-headed households.

At the closing ceremony held at FAO’s Islamabad office, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, FAO Representative Ms. Florence Rolle, and senior Pakistani officials commended the collaborative effort and Japan’s timely response to the crisis.

Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to human security in development aid, emphasizing that the project reflected Japan’s commitment to helping Pakistani communities rebuild sustainably.

“This project demonstrates our resolve to help the people of Pakistan recover from devastating floods and rebuild their lives through practical, sustainable support,” he said during the ceremony.

FAO distributed seeds, fertilizers, and provided training to help over 14,000 farming families cultivate 1,500 hectares of land. Crops supported included wheat, rice, maize, okra, brinjal, and tomatoes—improving both staple food production and nutrition.

For livestock-dependent families, the project delivered animal feed, mineral blocks, poultry, small ruminants, and built animal shelters. A mass vaccination campaign reached over 629,000 animals, benefiting 35,000 households.

Special support was provided to female-headed households through livestock and poultry packages, along with training in animal care and poultry production to help diversify and stabilize household incomes.

FAO Representative Ms. Florence Rolle highlighted that the initiative went beyond emergency relief by strengthening local resilience.

“This project made a real difference for rural communities that lost nearly everything to the floods. With Japan’s support, families regained their ability to produce food and strengthened their resilience against future shocks,” she noted.

Implemented with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, disaster management authorities, and NGO partners, the project also promoted climate-smart agriculture, food security planning, and improved livestock management practices.

These measures aim to reduce vulnerability and lay the groundwork for more resilient rural livelihoods in the face of future climate-related challenges.

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