PepsiCo and FAO Champion Sustainable Agricultural Water Use and Farmer Empowerment this World Food Day

Peshawar, October 16, 2023: As part of World Food Day 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and PepsiCo Pakistan hosted a comprehensive event that brought together experts to discuss and address issues of food security, sustainable farming, and the global battle against hunger and poverty. The high-powered event was held at the University of Agriculture in Peshawar.

The focal point of the event also revolved around the Living Indus Initiative, emphasizing the World Food Day theme, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.” Distinguished representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), UN Women, PepsiCo, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, as well as academics were present at the event.

Mr. Farrukh Toirov, the Head of FAO's KP Office, brought attention to the connection of the Indus River and the agricultural potential of the region. He understood the critical role of water in both agriculture and food security. He emphasized the necessity for effective water management to promote sustainable agriculture, as highlighted by initiatives such as the Living Indus Initiative. This approach contributes to resilience against climate challenges and guarantees access to nourishing and well-balanced food and nutrition for everyone.

Haseeb Malik, the Director of Agriculture Operations at PepsiCo Pakistan, shared the company's initiatives during the seminar. He placed significant emphasis on revitalizing the Indus Basin, advancing sustainable agriculture, and providing support to farming communities, with a particular focus on empowering women. Mr. Malik highlighted PepsiCo Pakistan's strong commitment to responsible water management, equipping farmers with knowledge and technology to promote sustainable water usage. He also underscored the company’s dedication to water conservation both within the company's operations and the surrounding communities.

Furthermore, Mr. Malik noted that the objectives of the Living Indus Initiative align seamlessly with PepsiCo's global pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainability agenda and the company’s aspirations to build a better agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.

Dr. Rizwan Ahmed, Registrar at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, assumed the role of panel discussion moderator. Other panelists included Dr. Abdul Bari, the Director General of Agriculture Research for the Government of KP, Dr. Jan Mohammad, the Director General of Agriculture Extension, Zainab Qaiser Khan, the Head of UN Women Sub Office in KP, and Louis Sowe, Head of WFP in KP. They shed light on issues crucial to the agricultural future of Pakistan, particularly in KP. The panelists also touched upon topics such as ensuring fair water access for small-scale farmers, the promotion of sustainable farming practices by women to ensure food security, strategies for combating climate change to enhance agricultural resilience, and the empowerment of women and youth for an inclusive approach to agriculture. By bringing together diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, this panel discussion aimed to chart a course towards a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape in Pakistan.