Islamabad: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Pakistan, in partnership with Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), convened a workshop in Islamabad to explore blended finance options for sustainable rice production. The event aimed to address financial challenges and promote low-emission, climate-resilient rice farming in Pakistan, bringing together diverse stakeholders from government, finance, and agriculture sectors.

According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the workshop gathered representatives from government bodies, development finance institutions, commercial banks, and agribusinesses, among others, to discuss investment opportunities and challenges in Pakistan’s rice sector. Rice is a vital component of Pakistan’s rural economy, yet it faces challenges such as climate change and international market demands.

James Okoth, Officer in Charge of FAO Pakistan, highlighted the need for public-private collaboration to address these challenges, noting that traditional financing models may not suffice for the sector’s evolving needs. The event served as a platform to discuss the Public-Private Blended Finance Facility for Low-Emission and Resilient Rice, which aims to boost investment in climate-resilient rice landscapes and value chains.

The proposed facility intends to strengthen farmer capacities, support monitoring systems, and promote gender equality and private-sector engagement. Contributions from various stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from international financial institutions like IFC and ADB, focused on investment opportunities, financing gaps, and sustainability standards.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to identify practical investment opportunities and enhance coordination among public and private entities to support a sustainable rice sector in Pakistan.