Islamabad, Jan 21, 2026 — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) have signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) under the European Union-funded Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP) to strengthen rangeland productivity, livestock-based livelihoods, and sustainable natural resource management in Balochistan.

The agreement was signed at the PARC Headquarters in Islamabad by the Secretary PARC, Ghulam Sadiq Afridi and Ms. Emmah Kamau, Officer-in-Charge, FAO Pakistan.

Funded by the European Union, the RBWRP aims to enhance livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience for around 60,000 rural households in Balochistan through sustainable management of agriculture, livestock, water and rangeland resources.

Under the agreement, FAO and PARC will collaborate on the testing and introduction of climate-resilient forage and fodder species and the evaluation of water harvesting practices to address rangeland degradation, water scarcity, and climate-related challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary PARC, Ghulam Sadiq Afridi highlighted the importance of rangelands for Balochistan’s livestock sector and emphasized that the partnership will support applied research and field-based solutions to improve forage availability and livestock productivity.

Ms. Kamau reaffirmed FAO’s commitment, with European Union support, to delivering evidence-based and scalable solutions that strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable natural resource management in the province.

As part of the LoA, PARC will conduct applied field research and demonstrations in targeted river basins under RBWRP.

FAO will provide financial support of up to PKR 12.94 million to PARC for the implementation of the planned research and field activities.

The project will establish research and demonstration plots, develop practical guidelines and brochures, and support capacity-building activities through field days and seminars.

The FAO–PARC partnership directly contributes to the objectives of RBWRP, supporting restoration of degraded rangelands, increased forage availability, and resilient rural livelihoods in Balochistan.