FAO has successfully conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) program at the Balochistan Agricultural Research and Development Center (BARDC) in Quetta. This initiative, part of the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP), aims to enhance the capabilities of government officers from the Balochistan Agriculture Department, equipping them with the skills needed to implement Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Farmer Climate Schools (FCS), and Farmer Business Schools (FBS).
From May 20 to 24, 2024, 52 master trainers received intensive training on innovative agricultural techniques, including high-efficiency irrigation, integrated pest management, and climate-resilient practices. The training was led by Dr. Arif Shah Kakar, a certified Farmer Field School specialist, and included contributions from Dr. Azmat Ali Awan, Deputy Project Director of the National Olive Project Pakistan; Mr. Bashir Bangulzai, Director of Vegetable Seed Production Agriculture Research; Dr. Abdullah Baloch, Principal Scientific Officer at BARDC; Engr. Riaz Ahmed Khan Kasi, On-Farm Water Management Specialist; Prof. Dr. Sharif Buzdar, Head of the Department of Soil Science at Balochistan Agriculture College; Ms. Arooj from BUITEMS; Ms. Shazia Yousaf, Deputy Director of Agriculture; Mr. Pazir Ahmed, Deputy Director, Date Farm Panjgoor; Mr. Ghulam Rasool, Entomologist; Mr. Khalid Tareen, Adaptive Research; Ms. Rukhsana Baloch, Gender Specialist FAO; Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, MEAL Specialist FAO; and Rizwan Khan, Agriculture Production Specialist FAO.
These master trainers, government employees stationed across 19 districts in Balochistan, will play a crucial role in sustaining and disseminating the training to local farmers. This approach ensures cost-effectiveness and long-term impact, as these trainers will continue to support and educate farming communities within their districts, fostering resilience and sustainable agricultural practices.
Waleed Mahdi, Head of Office FAO Balochistan, highlighted the importance of training officers from the agriculture department at the closing ceremony, emphasizing how it fosters sustainability, continuous education, and improved efficiency.
This program underscores the importance of continuous education and capacity building in promoting sustainable agriculture. By empowering government officers as master trainers, FAO ensures the sustainability and scalability of these initiatives, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Balochistan.