ISLAMABAD, July 31, 2026: Pakistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have agreed to deepen cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture, food security, livestock development and sustainable rural growth.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain discussed the expanded partnership during a high-level meeting with Robert Simpson, FAO’s Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
The meeting reviewed ongoing programmes and explored new areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural and food systems in the face of climate change.
Rana Tanveer said Pakistan remained highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks despite contributing only a small share of global carbon emissions. He stressed the need for greater technical support, stronger institutional coordination and faster implementation of agricultural development projects.
The FAO delegation briefed the minister on cooperation in the One Health Programme, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary systems, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable farm mechanisation and climate resilience under the Indus River Basin Programme.
The two sides also discussed the use of geographic information systems, remote sensing and agrometeorological technologies to improve crop planning and support climate-smart agriculture.
National Climate Forum Proposed
Robert Simpson proposed organising a National Climate Forum in partnership with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
The proposed forum would bring together government departments, development organisations and private-sector representatives to strengthen climate action in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Rana Tanveer welcomed the initiative and said the government was committed to building a more resilient agricultural economy capable of protecting farmers, improving productivity and reducing climate-related losses.
Government Outlines Agriculture Priorities
The minister highlighted several government priorities, including improved food safety and SPS systems, wider access to climate-resilient certified seeds and greater investment in agricultural machinery and storage infrastructure.
He said the government was also working to establish Farmer Producer Organisations and implement the One District, One Product initiative in selected underdeveloped districts.
Other priorities include increasing livestock exports through better disease control and reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported wheat and edible oil.
The meeting also discussed efforts to strengthen certified seed production through the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority.
FAO Pledges Support for International Funding
The FAO delegation said it would continue helping Pakistan mobilise financing from international financial institutions and development partners for agriculture and food-security projects.
Both sides reviewed FAO’s forthcoming policy report on Pakistan’s food production and nutritional requirements.
They also discussed the One Country One Priority Product initiative, under which Pakistan is participating with Chilgoza pine nuts. Chaunsa mango has also been proposed for inclusion in the programme.
The meeting concluded with Pakistan and FAO reaffirming their commitment to stronger cooperation in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, food security and rural development.
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