FAO champions climate-resilient farming, food safety for women farmers in South Punjab

The event was organized under the Green Climate Fund-supported and the Governments of Punjab and Sindh co-financed project, "Transforming the

Multan: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has underscored the urgent need to integrate climate action with food safety, emphasizing that sustainable farming practices are essential for protecting both public health and agricultural livelihoods. The message was delivered during a joint observance of World Environment Day and World Food Safety Day 2026 held in Multan under the theme “Call for Climate Action and Safe Food Everywhere.”

The event was organized under the Green Climate Fund-supported and the Governments of Punjab and Sindh co-financed project, “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management.” It brought together women farmers, government officials, and representatives from the Punjab Food Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab to discuss the growing impact of climate change on food production and safety.

Addressing the gathering, FAO Punjab Office Incharge Noella Kamwendo stressed that safe food systems begin long before food reaches consumers. She noted that healthy ecosystems, climate-resilient agriculture, and food safety are closely interconnected, extending from soil and water management to harvesting, storage, processing, and consumption.

Kamwendo said the FAO project is helping vulnerable farming communities adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, improve water management, access climate information, and strengthen their ability to cope with changing environmental conditions. She added that these measures not only support climate adaptation but also contribute to safer and more sustainable food systems.

During the event, Punjab Food Authority Principal Officer Dr. Aftab Qamar conducted an awareness session on food safety throughout the farm-to-table process, highlighting the risks associated with the improper use of pesticides and the importance of maintaining food quality at every stage of production.

District Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab, Dr. Tahir Abbas, also addressed participants, focusing on the harmful effects of stubble burning on air quality, soil health, and the environment. He urged farmers to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Concluding the programme, FAO Communications Specialist Shahnawaz Arif called for greater adoption of responsible farming techniques and stronger protection of soil, water, and air resources. He emphasized the importance of Farmer Field Schools and climate-resilient agriculture platforms in equipping farming communities with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable food systems.

The event also highlighted the contributions of Women Farmer Facilitators, who are leading Women Open Schools in rural communities. Through these community-based initiatives, women farmers are gaining practical training in climate-resilient agriculture while exploring farming as a sustainable source of income and entrepreneurship.

By promoting the link between climate resilience and food safety, FAO and its partners aim to help farming communities produce food that is not only sufficient but also safe, environmentally sustainable, and better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change.