UN delegation visits mango orchard in South Punjab

KOT ADDU: A high-level United Nations (UN) delegation visited mango orchard Khar Farms in South Punjab on Sunday.

According to a statement, the delegation was warmly welcomed at the Khar Farms, Khar Gharbi, Kot Addu, by Ms Misbah Khar, Adviser to the chairman Senate, and industrialist Ghulam M Yahya Khar.

The delegation included Muhammad Yahya, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Pakistan, and Ms Fernanda Thomaz, representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The visit featured a mango tree plantation ceremony, symbolising the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural development in the region.

The guests also enjoyed vibrant folk performances that reflected the rich cultural heritage of South Punjab. A traditional breakfast showcasing regional flavours was served in the honour of the visiting delegation.

A key feature of the visit was interaction between the UN officials and local mango growers as mango is the main export fruit of the region. The engagement boosted the morale of growers and created new hope for increasing mango exports through international collaboration and support.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Thomaz emphasised IFAD’s active work in South Punjab, highlighting that 400,000 poor women had been provided with livestock, 7,300 landless women had been given homes and 30,000 households were receiving food support through 40 community food banks across 10 districts. She reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing commitment to supporting Pakistan in tackling challenges related to climate change, technology advancement and youth skill development.

Muhammad Yahya noted immense agricultural and human resource potential of South Punjab and reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting rural uplift, sustainability and community resilience in underdeveloped regions.

Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani appreciated the UN delegation’s spirit of cooperation, particularly their visit to South Punjab and Kot Addu, to promote sustainable mango farming and community engagement. He emphasised the importance of international support in driving inclusive development and rural prosperity in the region.