Quetta – Florence Rolle, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) Representative in Pakistan, recently concluded a four-day visit to Quetta and Loralai districts of Balochistan. The visit reaffirmed FAO's commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity, supporting flood-affected communities, and fostering resilience in Balochistan through multifaceted initiatives addressing critical agriculture, livestock, and water sustainability needs.
During her visit, Florence Rolle participated in the 4th Project Steering Committee meeting of the European Union (EU) funded 40 million EUR Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP), alongside Zahoor Buledi, Balochistan Planning and Development Minister; Jeroen Williams, Head of Cooperation, European Union Mission Pakistan; Borisa Vljevic Ivan, Programme Manager, European Union Mission Pakistan, and key officials from Balochistan Government. The meeting served as a platform to brief stakeholders on the progress and endorse planned activities, highlighting FAO's collaborative efforts towards sustainable water resource management and agricultural development in Balochistan.
Later she, alongside the EU delegation, visited two project sites in the Loralai district, providing firsthand insights into efforts aimed at improving water resource management and agricultural productivity through the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP). The sites included the historic Chinali Karez, a 300-year-old irrigation system serving as the main source of drinking water and irrigation for local communities, and the Pathankot Spring Irrigation Scheme, which benefits over 1,428 households
The visit commenced with Florence Rolle presenting essential veterinary kits for Pishin district to Tayyab Lehri, Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Balochistan, emphasizing FAO's commitment to aiding flood-affected communities, enhancing livestock welfare, and fostering resilience. Funded by the Government of Japan, the donation is part of FAO's broader initiative, "Emergency Livelihood Assistance to Flood-Affected Communities in Balochistan and Sindh Provinces."
FAOR along with Secretary Lehri also observed the Training of Trainers (ToT) session under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, where livestock master trainers underwent a comprehensive three-day program on Farmer Field School (FFS) and marketing approaches, agro-ecological analysis, facilitation techniques, and field observation methods.
The visit, which concluded on May 16, fostered a renewed sense of collaboration towards achieving sustainable agricultural and water resource management goals in Balochistan.