US, Engro Foundation restore livelihoods in rural Sindh

ISLAMABAD: The United States has partnered with Engro Foundation to help over 22,000 flood-affected dairy farmers in the Larkana and Dadu area of Sindh, to keep their livestock healthy and increase milk production by 0.5 litre a day per animal.

The flood-relief assistance is part of a long term partnership between the US and Pakistan in the economic sector.

Support in this regard was delivered through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which provided Rs78 million in micro-grants to farmers.

Titled “Khushaal Livestock”, the project was developed in partnership with Engro Foundation and was implemented by Engro Foods.

Assistance included vaccination for animals from foot and mouth disease, veterinary services, fertilizers, multi-cut grass seeds, oat seeds, mineral mixtures and other nutritional supplements to help restore the health and productivity of flood-affected livestock.

“I am very proud that from the very first days of this epic flood, the United States offered a wide range of support in many of Pakistan’s worst affected areas,” said USAID Karachi Office-in-charge Paul Sabatine, at the close-out of the initiative.

“And when the waters began to recede, and people began returning home, the United States has been working to help restore livelihoods across the affected areas,” he added.

“The dairy sector is a key driver of economic growth in the region. We are thankful to the American people for supporting Pakistan in recovering from the 2010 flash floods. By assisting farmers in Larkana and Dadu, they played a crucial role in revitalizing the agriculture sector of the area,” stated Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly, Shehla Raza during the closing ceremony of the initiative.

Tahir Jawaid, Vice President, Public Affairs Engro Corp added, Engro Foundation played a crucial role in the post flood relief and rehabilitation efforts, and we take special pride in our role in the Khushaal Livestock Project. As part of our continuing efforts to assist farmers in Sindh, Engro Foundation will continue to work with USAID to provide market linkages, technical and advisory support, training, and capacity development to dairy farmers.

To date, the United States has provided nearly $700 million in flood relief and recovery assistance to the people of Pakistan. This included donations of food, water and water purification equipment, medical supplies and services, shelter, and the use of US military aircraft to rescue flood-affected people.

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011