PM’s Aide Advocates for African Crop Strategies to Tackle Food Insecurity in Pakistan


Islamabad: In a recent meeting in Islamabad, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, proposed adopting agricultural strategies from African nations to address the growing food insecurity in Pakistan. Alam’s proposal came during a discussion with UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah A. Fadil, where they explored the impacts of climate change on food security and vulnerable populations, particularly children.



According to a statement by Press Information Department, the meeting highlighted the critical need for collaborative efforts between the government and international organizations to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters such as droughts and extreme weather. Alam stressed that climate change poses severe challenges to Pakistan’s agriculture, disrupting food production and worsening water shortages.



Alam emphasized the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices. She proposed the plantation of at least three fruit trees—avocado, orange, and banana—at every household. This initiative aims to address food security while promoting environmental sustainability. She pointed to successful examples from African countries, where crops like banana, avocado, and citrus have been integrated into agricultural economies, leading to significant export benefits.



In addition, Alam underscored the importance of empowering young girls with climate-resilient skills. She advocated for green-skilled education programs that would equip young women to become leaders in climate action. Alam also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on children in Pakistan, particularly in light of the devastating effects of past climate-related disasters.



Fadil reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s vulnerable populations by providing aid in health, education, water, and sanitation. Both parties agreed on the urgency of targeted interventions to mitigate climate-related vulnerabilities and stressed the importance of integrating children’s needs into climate policies to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.

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