Governor Balochistan stresses expansion of international cooperation for rural development
Quetta, Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, has said that the province is maintaining cordial relations with United Nations agencies and other international organizations to strengthen infrastructure, improve public welfare, and accelerate development in remote districts. He noted that these partnerships are already yielding positive results in education, health, agriculture, and clean water supply, but emphasized the need to further expand cooperation to ensure basic facilities and employment opportunities for people in underdeveloped areas.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by Waleed Mehdi, Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Balochistan Sub‑Office, the Governor said that agriculture, horticulture, and livestock form the backbone of the provincial economy. He stressed that modern farming techniques, improved seeds, efficient irrigation systems, climate‑resilient cultivation methods, and farmer training can significantly boost agricultural productivity. Mandokhail added that by modernizing agriculture and livestock, Balochistan can achieve food self‑sufficiency while creating thousands of jobs and business opportunities.
He underscored the importance of including small farmers, landowners, herders, women, and youth in development programmes to strengthen the rural economy and expand local employment. Highlighting the challenges of climate change, monsoon rains, and water scarcity, the Governor called for promoting low‑water crops, modern irrigation, and environmentally friendly farming practices.
During the meeting, issues related to agricultural development, livestock, horticulture, food security, farmer training, and climate resilience were discussed. FAO’s Waleed Mehdi invited the Governor to attend a programme at the Balochistan Agriculture University for farmers and landowners from 19 districts. The event aims to raise awareness about modern farming methods, productivity enhancement, and the use of advanced technology.
The FAO delegation emphasized that agriculture must be linked to the complete value chain including food processing, cold storage, packaging, and marketing to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their produce and to stimulate local economic activity.