ISLAMABAD, Monday, July 14, 2025 (WNP): The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with funding from the Government of Japan, has successfully wrapped up a major emergency support project that brought hope and recovery to over 520,000 people in flood-ravaged regions of Balochistan and Sindh.

Launched in response to the catastrophic 2022 floods, the $6.48 million project provided critical support to more than 74,000 households—helping restore food production, protect livestock, and boost long-term resilience in some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable rural communities.

The project’s closing ceremony, held at the FAO office in Islamabad on Monday, brought together key partners, including Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and FAO Representative Florence Rolle, alongside government and provincial representatives.

“Japan has always emphasized human security in our development cooperation,” said Ambassador Akamatsu. “Through this project, we reaffirm our commitment to helping the people of Pakistan recover and rebuild in a sustainable way.”

The multi-faceted intervention delivered seed and fertilizer packages to over 14,000 households, rehabilitated 1,500 hectares of agricultural land, and enabled the cultivation of wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables such as okra, brinjal, and tomatoes—improving both food availability and incomes.

Livestock recovery efforts benefited another 35,000 households, with FAO distributing animal feed, mineral blocks, poultry, and small ruminants. Over 629,000 animals were vaccinated through a mass campaign, while shelters were constructed to protect livestock assets.

Women-headed households were a priority, receiving poultry and livestock packages along with training in animal care—empowering them with tools to diversify income sources and build economic stability.

“This project made a real difference in the lives of families who lost nearly everything,” said FAO’s Florence Rolle. “Thanks to Japan’s timely support, these communities not only resumed food production but are now better equipped to face future challenges.”

Carried out in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, provincial disaster management authorities, and NGOs, the initiative also promoted climate-smart practices, strengthening local knowledge of food security and livestock management.

The success of the FAO-Japan partnership marks a vital step toward building resilient rural communities across Pakistan, ready to withstand future shocks while growing stronger from within.