Distribution of certified maize seed packages to 3,750 farmer families in Orakzai agency of FATA has begun.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) project is providing 20kg of maize seeds to each household. Untoward security situation had forced these farmers to abandon their homes and agricultural land. Now as the families continue to return to their homes, these seeds will enable the newly returned farmers to resume production of the staple crop.

The distribution of seeds will revitalize farming in the area and also become a source of improving food and nutrition security of vulnerable farmers and their families most of whom are located in remote villages of the agency.

Mr Farrukh Toirov, Deputy FAO Representative in Pakistan said: “We are helping the farmers in Orakzai to resume agriculture on their land. These sustainable agriculture development initiatives will enable them to rebuild their livelihood and improve the lives of their children. Improved farming results in increased food availability in the household and enables selling of the surplus enriching the local markets and generating cash income”.
FAO and WFP are jointly implementing the CERF funded project that targets Orakzai, Kurram and South Waziristan agencies in FATA. 456, 901 returnees to the three agencies will benefit from the relief food assistance combined with emergency agriculture and livestock support.
The project under CERF funding is aligned with CERF Life Saving Criteria as it aims at providing timely critical recovery support to those in immediate need of help to meet their food and nutrition requirements and initiate agro-based livelihood activities in the affected areas.