The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) successfully concluded an extensive training program on climate smart agriculture (CSA), Crop Reporting services, value chain development, integrated water management, and participatory extension approaches in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. The training sessions took place in districts Umerkot, Badin, and Sanghar in Sindh, and in Multan, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanewal, and Lodhran in Punjab. These comprehensive 6-day trainings, organized by FAO Sindh and Punjab under the Technical Cooperation Programme (Strengthening Integrated Water and Agriculture Management in Pakistan initiative), aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and build resilience in the face of climate change.

A total of 200 participants from various government departments, including Agriculture Extension Sindh, On Farm Water Management Sindh and Punjab, Irrigation Department, and Crop Reporting Services, along with representatives from academia such as Sindh Agriculture University- Umerkot Campus, and private sector stakeholders such as CAB International, HANDS, Sami Foundation, National Rural Support Program, Engro Foundation, Fatima Fertilizer, Milan AgroSeed, Bayer Crop Science, World Wide Fund for Nature Multan, and Farmer Development Organization, came together for the training program. Participants gained valuable knowledge and skills essential for adopting sustainable agricultural practices, conducting market-based value chain analysis, and implementing integrated water management approaches.

The Training Workshop comprised a series of lectures, technical sessions, and interactive group work, providing participants with practical training and opportunities for knowledge exchange. The discussions covered various topics, including local crops and cropping systems, climate-smart agriculture practices, identification of climate actions based on cropping systems, agri-business food systems, market-based value chains and linkages, participatory extension systems, adaptation extension services, ICT-based extension and advisory services, and collaborative development action.

One of the primary objectives of the training was to enhance understanding of climate smart agriculture practices and identify suitable cropping patterns in the three districts. Participants had the opportunity to visit local vegetable markets, gaining insights into potential options and channels for value chain development at the district level. Additionally, in-depth briefings on climate-smart agriculture practices equipped attendees with the necessary knowledge to identify appropriate practices that could be implemented in their respective districts.

This initiative aligns with FAO's broader ongoing efforts to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to improved production, nutrition, environment, and quality of life while leaving no one behind. FAO remains committed to excellent collaboration with the government at all levels, various technical departments, and other key stakeholders in the sector to create better livelihoods for communities across Pakistan.

The successful completion of this training program marks another significant step towards building climate-resilient farming systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices by identifying potential stakeholders through stakeholder mapping in Multan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lodhran, Umerkot, Badin, and Sanghar districts. FAO Pakistan expresses appreciation for the unwavering commitment and active engagement of all participants, government departments, and private sector partners in driving this transformative initiative forward.