ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States The US Department of Agriculture has decided this year to launch Fertilizer Rights, a four-year, $4.5 million project in Pakistan with local partners to help farmers use fertilizers more efficiently and effectively, reduce pollution and reduce costs. .
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the understanding was reached during the meetings of the US-Pakistan Working Group on Climate and Environment.
The two sides agreed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will launch a new five-year climate-smart agriculture program in Pakistan to strengthen the resilience of farming communities facing climate change.
This action will facilitate the practice of managing climate-smart farms, increase the use of digital technology and help the growth of agritech firms. USAID is also launching a Climate Finance Development Accelerator program this year to help mobilize domestic and international finance to expand clean energy in Pakistan. It catalyzes investment in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts by reforming policy, raising awareness and increasing the role of the private sector.
During the working group dialogue, Pakistani and US officials agreed that a roundtable discussion on the future of green shipping would be held in Karachi. At the conference, experts will identify opportunities to strengthen Pakistan’s economic competitiveness by preparing for zero emissions in shipping operations at ports.
“USAID’s efforts have so far helped Pakistan avoid 55 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions since 2017, helping the country meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030,” it said.
It noted that the US is funding a feasibility study to improve waste management practices in Karachi using advanced technology to turn cattle waste into biomethane and fertilizer. Officials from both sides agreed that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would immediately begin a snowpack assessment with several Pakistani government agencies to strengthen flood forecasting capabilities. These estimates use satellite imagery and algorithms to examine snow-covered areas and snowpack water volume in five major watersheds—Upper Indus, Kabul, Chenab, Sutlej, and Lower Indus. To help advance the goals of reducing methane emissions and energy security, a Pakistani delegation will visit the US and join oil, gas and other sector leaders from developing economies in meetings with US industry, financial institutions and policy experts.
USAID will partner with the private sector to reduce methane emissions from Pakistan’s dairy sector. The project promotes new interventions such as animal feed modification, reproductive health and manure management.
Published in The Express Tribune on March 17th2023.
He likes it Business on Facebook, do it @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join the conversation.