In collaboration with PepsiCo Pakistan, a leading international food and beverage company, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Office organised a cross-sectoral event to commemorate World Food Day at the University of Agriculture in Peshawar. The highlight of the event was a thought-leadership panel discussion that revolved around the sustainable use of water in agriculture, highlighting the theme, ‘Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.’

The objective of the event was to raise awareness about food security, sustainable agriculture, and the fight against global hunger and poverty. Senior representatives from World Food Programme (WFP), UN Women, PepsiCo, and the Government of KP, as well as academics, were in attendance.

Haseeb Malik, Director of Agriculture Operations at PepsiCo Pakistan, highlighted the company’s efforts at the event. He stressed on restoring the ecological health of the Indus Basin, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting farming communities, particularly women. Mr. Malik further mentioned PepsiCo Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable water management, equipping farmers with knowledge and technology for sustainable water use. He also highlighted their dedication to water conservation in company operations and communities. According to him, the scope of the Living Indus Initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s global pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainability agenda and aspirations for creating a more resilient agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.

Mr. Farrukh Toirov, FAO’s Head of Office in KP, emphasised the importance of the Indus River to the region’s agricultural prospects. He stressed the significance of water in agriculture and food security while emphasising the importance of responsible and effective water management to assist sustainable agriculture programs such as the Living Indus Initiative. He reiterated that initiatives like these could promote resilience in the face of climate change and would support in equitable access to balanced and nutritious food for all.

The main thought-leadership panel discussion was led by Dr. Rizwan Ahmed, Registrar of University of Agriculture, Peshawar. Dr. Abdul Bari, Director General Agriculture Research, Government of KP, Dr. Jan Mohammad, Director General, Agriculture Extension, Zainab Qaiser Khan, Head of UN Women Sub Office in KP, and Louis Sowe, Head of WFP in KP were among the other panelists. They emphasised significant challenges that held the key to Pakistan’s agricultural future, particularly in KP. Panelists addressed providing equitable water access for small farmers, women’s advocacy for sustainable farming methods for food security, combating climate change for agricultural resilience, and empowering women and youth for inclusive agriculture.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, this panel discussion aimed to chart a path towards a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape in Pakistan.

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