Khanewal/Multan (February 28, 2025) – A high-level delegation, led by Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary of the Punjab Agriculture Department and accompanied by Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, visited key project sites under the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded initiative, Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management. The delegation assessed the progress made in strengthening climate resilience through modern meteorological infrastructure and climate-smart agriculture practices.
During the visit, the delegation reviewed the newly installed Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in Khanewal, which is part of a network of 15 AWS planned under the project. These stations provide real-time meteorological data—including wind speed, temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and precipitation—to support informed decision-making for water management, crop planning, and climate adaptation. Additionally, the delegation observed Eddy Covariance (EC) Flux Towers, installed under the project which measure evapotranspiration and help optimize water use in agriculture, and piezometer sensors, which monitor groundwater quality and quantity to ensure sustainable water management.
These technologies are integral to the development of a digital climate information system, allowing farmers to receive tailored advisories through mobile applications, SMS alerts, and community-based dissemination platforms. This ensures that even smallholder farmers can access critical weather and water data to optimize their farming practices Speaking at the event, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary of the Punjab Agriculture Department, highlighted the significance of AWS.
This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening capacity for climate-smart agriculture and water management. The data collected from this extended meteorological network will improve weather forecasting, water resource management, and agricultural advisories, benefiting farmers and policymakers alike, he stated.
The Government of Punjab remains committed to scaling up climate-smart agriculture interventions, integrating advanced technology with traditional farming knowledge to support farmers in adapting to changing climate conditions, he added FAO Representative in Pakistan, Florence Rolle, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts. “By integrating scientific advancements like AWS, groundwater monitoring sensors, and EC Flux Towers with on-ground agricultural practices, we are equipping farmers with knowledge and tools to improve productivity and sustainability,” she said.
She also emphasized the role of satellite-based tools such as the WaPOR portal, which provides near-real-time agricultural water productivity monitoring, and the ACWA portal, which facilitates coordination among stakeholders for informed resource management.
The delegation also visited Women Open School (WOS) and Climate Business Field School (CBFS) in Khanewal—two innovative training models introduced under the FAO-led project. The WOS empowers female farmers with skills in vegetable production, animal husbandry, and alternative income opportunities, enhancing resilience to climate and economic shocks. The initiative also prioritizes gender-inclusive approaches, ensuring that women farmers, who play a critical role in agricultural production, have access to climate-smart technologies and financial opportunities. By empowering female farmers, the project contributes to more resilient farming households and inclusive economic growth. Meanwhile, the CBFS provides male farmers with hands-on training in climate-resilient farming techniques such as soil testing, composting, bio-pesticides, intercropping, and efficient irrigation scheduling. In addition, FAO is engaging farmers through farmer field schools and community radio programs to extend knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level.
Technical Advisor and Provincial Head of FAO Punjab, Emelda Berejena, emphasized the importance of data-driven climate adaptation. “The installation of these weather stations, alongside remote sensing and early warning systems, will enhance the accuracy of climate forecasting, crop water requirements, and agricultural advisories. These interventions will ultimately help farmers make informed decisions, reduce costs, and improve yields,” she stated.
Beyond field-level interventions, the project is also building the capacity of government agencies, agricultural extension workers, and research institutions to integrate climate risk assessments into policy planning. This ensures that climate adaptation measures are sustainable and scalable across Punjab and beyond The AWS and related climate adaptation interventions represent a vital step toward a more resilient agricultural sector in Pakistan. By leveraging modern technology and community-based solutions, the FAO-led initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to combat the challenges posed by climate change. The initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture Department, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and other key institutions, ensuring a coordinated approach to climate resilience.
As Pakistan faces increasing climate variability, the lessons learned from this initiative will serve as a model for replication across other provinces. Strengthening partnerships between the government, international organizations, and local communities remains essential for scaling climate-smart agriculture solutions nationwide.