Modern tech, sustainable irrigation, women’s empowerment vital for food security: Bugti

QUETTA (6 AM Report): Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, held a meeting on Wednesday with Ms. Fernanda Thomaz, the Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to discuss pressing issues related to food security, agricultural development, and strengthening rural economies.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted that the impacts of climate change are being felt most severely in the province’s agricultural sector, underscoring the urgent need to promote climate-smart agricultural practices. He stressed that the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, climate-resilient crop varieties, and sustainable irrigation systems could significantly boost agricultural productivity and ensure long-term food security in the province.
Bugti praised the role of international institutions like IFAD in supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development in rural communities. He emphasized that empowering women and equipping the youth with technical skills would not only strengthen rural economies but also create new opportunities for livelihoods and social stability.
The Chief Minister further stated that the provincial government was committed to accelerating projects aimed at improving agricultural infrastructure, irrigation networks, and market access. He noted that such initiatives would enable farmers to secure better prices for their produce, thereby improving their quality of life and contributing to provincial economic growth.
Welcoming IFAD’s ongoing support, Bugti expressed optimism that joint initiatives for agricultural development and rural prosperity would continue to expand in the coming years. At the conclusion of the meeting, he presented a shield to Ms. Thomaz as a token of appreciation for IFAD’s valuable contributions to Balochistan’s development agenda.