Lahore, The Government of Punjab, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has officially signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Agriculture Climate Water Portal (ACWA). This initiative aims to provide vital climate and agricultural data to stakeholders, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions to combat climate-related challenges affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods.

According to Planning and Development Board – Punjab, the signing ceremony took place at the Planning and Development Board in Lahore, with key officials including Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan, Chairman of the Planning and Development Board, and Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO’s Country Representative in Pakistan. The ACWA Portal, developed with support from the Green Climate Fund, will offer updated information on weather conditions, water management, and agricultural data crucial for policy-making and on-ground agricultural practices.

Barrister Awan highlighted the provincial government’s dedication to integrating IT-based solutions to enhance public services, particularly for the farming community. He noted that the portal would significantly benefit farmers by providing real-time data essential for improving productivity and sustainability. Ms. Rolle emphasized that the portal is a crucial component of FAO’s mission to eliminate hunger and improve food security and nutrition worldwide, showcasing innovative tools for environmental and agricultural management.

The portal will integrate data from various provincial departments, including meteorology, irrigation, and agriculture, supported by new technologies like automatic weather stations and groundwater level monitoring sensors installed across Punjab. This integrated approach is expected to improve decision-making processes and policy formulation, directly benefiting Punjab’s agricultural sector and overall population.