The Government of Punjab has announced a 12-month, £300,000 climate-resilient agriculture project for the dry desert areas of Cholistan and Thal. The pilot is intended to help farming communities adapt to climate change and cope with climate shocks.
According to the government, the project aims to build farmer resilience in Pakistan’s vulnerable desert ecosystems. It proposes approaches to crop insurance and financial support for farmers facing losses linked to climate change.
Methods and partners behind the Cholistan and Thal pilot
The project combines crop adaptation methods, digital farming advisory services, early warning systems, improved market access and integrated insurance systems. It involves several government bodies, technical experts and private partners:
- Lead government partners: the Planning & Development Department, Agriculture Department and Environment Department of Punjab
- Implementation agency: Punjab Agriculture Department
- Technical lead: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
Field demonstrations and plans for wider rollout
Farmers will be involved from the start through field demonstrations of climate-smart farming. Private businesses will handle market access and value chain work, while civil society and research organisations will lead community mobilisation and evidence development.
The one-year timeline includes final milestones in the last two months, covering validation, institutional engagement and a plan to scale up across arid areas of Punjab.
