This was stated by John A Roome, Regional Director for Sustainable Development at the World Bank, during a meeting with Tariq Bashir Cheema, Minister of National Food Security and Research, in Islamabad.
Separately, the World Bank has agreed to provide financial assistance to the country in order to subsidise urea for flood-affected farmers.
Tariq Bashir Cheema, speaking on the occasion, stated that floods and rains had resulted in massive losses for the farming community, and that the government was attempting to provide relief and assistance to poor farmers for their rehabilitation.
While appreciating the World Bank’s assistance for flood relief and rehabilitation of affected farmers, he stated that the natural disaster was unforeseeable and that the affected farmers require assistance to recover and return to normalcy.
Tariq Bashir emphasized the importance of improving coordination among the federal government, provincial governments, the World Bank, and other stakeholders in providing immediate relief and assistance to the needy in flood-affected areas of the country.
The minister assured the ministry’s full support for the World Bank’s projects and initiatives in Pakistan, and stated that relief and assistance to the farming community will aid in achieving food security.
Muhammad Asif, Additional Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, informed that the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) database can assist in identifying farmers for targeted subsidies.
Furthermore, the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) has created a digital application that will aid in delivery to farmers.
To read our blog on “World Bank will restructure Karachi’s competitive and livable city project to address post-flood needs,” click here