Unilever, IRC launch ‘Pakistan Seed security Prototype’

Islamabad:Extreme weather and disasters as outcome of climate change aren't a distant reality and communities increasingly symbolise the epicenter of human impacts of climate crisis today. Agro-pastoral communities in Pakistan continue to confront the effects of climate crisis, economic deterioration and high prices for essential items including food and agricultural supplies.

International Rescue Committee and Unilever jointly collaborated to develop “Pakistan Seed Security Prototype” which is aimed at building resilience of the farming communities through green entrepreneurship to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.

In this report, Unilever and IRC pledge to enhance climate resilience through initiatives focused on strengthening seed systems, reducing disaster risks and transitioning livelihoods over the next five years. The report was launched at “Pakistan’s Humanitarian Future Event 2025”. A pivotal gathering aimed at addressing the country’s preparedness and response to the escalating impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Romina Khursid Alam (Coordinator to PM on Climate Change) highlighted Pakistan’s increasing dependence on glaciers and rivers for its water supply, emphasizing that the country is facing acute water shortages that exacerbate the challenges for agriculture, a crucial sector of the national economy and survival.

“Our agriculture is significantly threatened by water scarcity, and we need invest in long-term solutions to tackle these challenges” she stated. She termed the Seed Security Prototype as vital innovation that can pave way for climate resilient agricultural practices.

The report finding indicate that farmers in Pakistan are grappling with dwindling quality and availability of seed stocks, and the harsh impacts of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions make it worse. These issues have not only disrupted the agricultural cycle but have also led to severe economic consequences, pushing many farmers further into a vicious cycle of debt and poverty.

Waqas Dar Country Director International Rescue Committee- Pakistan noted that “Achieving sustained growth in agricultural production and productivity heavily depends on developing improved crop varieties and establishing an efficient system to ensure the timely availability of high-quality seeds to farmers”