Japan will back the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to implement a project with the goal of rejuvenating the agriculture sector in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan.

 

Hiroshi Inomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, pointed out that increasing stability of FATA would indeed increase the overall stability of Pakistan as a whole. By restoring agricultural activities in the areas, the economy would be strengthened and approximately 26,000 returning families to the region would directly benefit from the project.

 

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide technical support through agricultural extension services in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the agreement, and the government of Pakistan has stated it will be working closely with the FAO and JICA to increase food security and stability for the communities in FATA.

 

FAO representative in Pakistan, Patrick Evans adds, “Rebuilding agriculture production is critical as people return to ensure food security and to rebuild local economies.”