Islamabad: The World Bank (WB) will provide financial support of $22.2 million for rehabilitation of flood-affected farmers through a project, a statement from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research said. Record monsoon rains and melting glaciers in Pakistan's northern mountains have brought floods that have affected over 33 million people and killed over 1,500, including children.

 The inundation is being blamed on climate change. In July and August, Pakistan got 391mm (15.4 inches) of rain, or nearly 190% more than the 30-year average, while Sindh got 466% more than the average.  The announcement was made during a meeting between World Bank South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development John A Roome and Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema in Islamabad.

The statement said that both sides discussed the rehabilitation and relief efforts in the floods and rains-affected areas with special reference to the farmer community and food security. Cheema said that floods and rains have played havoc on the agriculture sector and have devastated the farming community. “At this critical time, we are only focused on rehabilitation activities in the flood-affected areas to bring back normalcy,” he added.  Cheema hoped that the farmers will be able to stand back on their feet after this support.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 23 2022

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