To address climate change: WWF-Pakistan launches regenerative agriculture initiative

ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking move to combat climate impacts and enhance agricultural productivity, WWF-Pakistan, with pivotal support from the Laudes Foundation, introduced the Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative (RPLC) in Pakistan on Thursday with aims to pioneer new business models and farming practices, particularly targeting smallholder farmers, to address environmental challenges stemming from unsustainable agricultural practices.

The RPLC Pakistan initiative will be rolled out in the Jhang and Sahiwal districts of Punjab, along with Barkhan and Lasbela districts of Balochistan.

This strategic approach, already successful in India, Brazil, and Tanzania, underscores a commitment to sustainable farming practices and holistic landscape management.

During the launch event, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the urgent need to address the long-term repercussions of unsustainable agriculture.

He highlighted the detrimental impacts of excessive water use, chemical reliance, and climate change on crop and soil health, leading to heightened vulnerabilities among local communities and smallholder farmers.

“This initiative will foster collaborative actions and innovative strategies to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity,” he stated.

Anita Chester, Head of the Fashion Programme at Laudes Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the RPLC’s launch in Pakistan, noting its pivotal

role in promoting sustainable and regenerative practices within the local ecosystem.

She highlighted the substantial benefits for local farmers and communities, aiming to empower them towards self-sufficiency and financial independence while encouraging responsible sourcing practices for businesses.

Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), emphasized the project’s potential to elevate crop productivity and income generation for smallholder farmers.

He highlighted the significance of adopting sustainable farming practices to reduce chemical usage, enhance ecosystem health, and mitigate climate change impacts.

Qadir Baksh Pirkani, Special Secretary Agriculture Balochistan, underscored the importance

of investing in agriculture to leverage the province’s substantial cultivable land and address challenges arising from

climate change and water scarcity.

Asad Imran, Director of Foods and Markets at WWF-Pakistan, presented the five-year vision of the RPLC Pakistan project, which aims to transform soil health, water resource management, and socio-economic empowerment of local farmers, especially women.

The project’s launch is a critical step towards promoting sustainable practices and reshaping agricultural landscapes amidst Pakistan’s escalating climate challenges.