The first International Food and Agriculture Expo in Karachi, held from August 10-12, was a significant networking event for Pakistan's food and agriculture industry. With over 200 exhibitors, it featured an international conference where James Okath, the Head of FAO's Sindh Province, emphasized the importance of enhancing indigenous crop varieties, comparative advantage, and biodiversity. This conference highlighted Pakistan's immense potential in the food and agriculture sectors, providing an excellent opportunity for international collaborations.

Notably, 420 farmers from FAO's field schools in Sindh Province attended the expo, facilitating market linkages and collaborations, especially in banana, tomato, onion, and date production. Supported by FAO and ITC's GRASP initiative, this participation aimed to connect farmers with processors and exporters, enhance the value of agricultural products, and strengthen Pakistan's international export position. These farmers hailed from various districts in Sindh, including Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, and Hyderabad.

Additionally, farmers and SMEs from Balochistan also took part in the expo, promoting agricultural diversity and engaging with experts, industry professionals, and potential buyers. Twelve women farmers from Lasbela, Panjgur, and Kech districts participated, gaining valuable insights into packaging, marketing, and improving their agricultural products.

Waleed Mahdi, FAO International Program Coordinator for Balochistan, emphasized that farmers hold vital knowledge about their local environment, crops, and livestock. FAO ensures that farmers' needs and goals are considered when introducing climate-smart solutions. The expo offered farmers a global platform to connect with buyers, trade partners, and investors.

This opportunity for farmers from Sindh and Balochistan was made possible through the European Union-funded and International Trade Centre (ITC)-implemented project in partnership with FAO & PPAF, known as "Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress" (GRASP). Operating in selected districts of Balochistan and Sindh, GRASP focuses on reducing poverty and fostering sustainable, inclusive economic growth in rural Pakistan.