ADB Launches 3 Million USD Low-Carbon Agriculture Project in Pakistan

FAISALABAD: The Asian Development Bank is mapping out a project on low carbon agriculture mechanism worth USD 3 million in Pakistan in order to address the agriculture and environmental issues for a better future. It was stated by Asian Development Bank (ADB) Senior Natural Resources Specialist Noriko Sato while talking to Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and UAF scientists at a meeting held at UAF. The initiative, in collaboration with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), aims to modernize the agriculture sector and tackle pressing environmental challenges.
The meeting reviewed ongoing and future projects and acknowledged Noriko Sato’s remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Speaking on the occasion, Sato said the project would focus on seed breeding, greenhouse gas emission mechanisms, and advanced agricultural technologies. She emphasized ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient development through investments in energy, food security, institutional strengthening, and social and urban services.
Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan lauded Sato’s pivotal role in uplifting Pakistan’s agriculture sector. He highlighted the urgent need to address environmental degradation through collective scientific efforts, noting that Pakistan faces critical challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and low productivity. He commended ADB’s collaborative projects with UAF that have produced tangible results in mitigating climate impacts.
Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali reaffirmed UAF’s determination to strengthen global partnerships to transform agriculture through research, technology, and industry linkages. He noted that UAF has successfully completed around 20 technical assistance projects and five R\&D initiatives with ADB. He also stressed the importance of innovation and research-driven solutions to enhance food security, alleviate poverty, and improve the socio-economic conditions of the farming community.
The meeting was attended by UAF deans, the ORIC director, registrar, treasurer, and scientists who have previously worked on ADB-supported projects.