Agreements signed with four local NGOs to support rehabilitation of flood-affected livestock farmers in Balochistan

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a subsidiary of the United Nations has signed agreements with four local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the rehabilitation of flood-affected livestock farmers in Balochistan, promote food security and create sustainable employment opportunities

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jun, 2026) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a subsidiary of the United Nations has signed agreements with four local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the rehabilitation of flood-affected livestock farmers in Balochistan, promote food security and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The initiative is being implemented under the Post-Flood Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of Livestock Sector in Balochistan project, funded by the European Union.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Balochistan Department of Livestock and Dairy Development, which aims to support livestock farming communities affected by the devastating floods of 2022, restore the livestock sector and increase their capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change.

The project will directly benefit at least 45,000 livestock farming households, with a special focus on empowering women and youth.

Under the project, Farmer Field Schools (FFS) would be established as community-based training and practical learning centers. These centers could provide practical training to farmers on modern livestock husbandry, animal health, breeding, effective use of pastures, fodder production and access to markets to increase their production and income and better cope with climate hazards.

According to the agreements, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Pishin District, Innovative Development Organization (IDO) Loralai and Zhob, Society for Community Action Process (SCAP) Khuzdar, while Words Pakistan would implement the activities of the Farmer Field Schools in Jaffarabad and Usta Muhammad.

Moreover, an additional agreement for Lasbela district is expected soon to further expand the scope of the project.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Addressing the signing ceremony of the agreements, Acting Head of FAO Pakistan, James Okoth, said that close collaboration between local communities, government institutions, the private sector and development partners is essential for establishing a strong and sustainable livestock system.

He said that the Farmer Field Schools model has been successfully adopted in more than 92 countries of the world and livestock farmers of Balochistan would also benefit from it.

On this occasion, Director General of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department Balochistan, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Tareen, welcomed the initiative and said that livestock farming is an important source of employment and food for millions of people in rural areas of Balochistan.

He said that with the collaboration of FAO and local institutions, farmers would get modern information and better facilities, which will significantly improve their productivity and economic stability.

FAO Balochistan Chief Walid Mehdi said that this partnership is a significant step towards reaching out to vulnerable livestock families living in remote and backward areas of the province.

He welcomed the involvement of women and youth, saying that these groups play a key role in the rural economy of Balochistan and the project will play a significant role in their development.

He said that the project is part of the wider efforts of FAO and the European Union to support post-flood recovery in Balochistan, promote climate-resilient agricultural and livestock systems, and ensure a sustainable future for the rural population.

He mentioned that this initiative would not only provide a strong foundation for the livestock sector but will also help improve the economic conditions of thousands of families.