The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-implemented Pakistan Agriculture Programs are helping USAID reach its goal of improving the economic lives of focus populations by improving the economic performance of farm businesses in Pakistan.  USDA is introducing practices to improve soil and pest management and to disseminate modern livestock practices.  The program is enhancing the capability of public and private institutions in the agriculture and livestock sectors through provision of equipment and staff training.  Another important effort under the activity is a strategic dialogue on water, focusing on issues related to surface water, ground water, and increasing water storage and water-use efficiency in agriculture, especially on-farm water storage and management.

In the livestock sector, the program provides training to government extension workers, animal health regulatory personnel, local government representatives, and farmers in an effort to develop an Animal Emergency Response Protocol and set up Animal Emergency Response Teams at the national and regional levels.  Further, to demonstrate the potential benefits of creating a progressive small- to medium-size dairy industry, the activity will set up a demonstration dairy farm with high-yielding dairy animals imported from the United States.  This demonstration farm will incorporate good management practices in proper nutrition, animal care and welfare, genetic improvements, veterinary care and treatment, and good milking practices, and demonstrate how such practices have positive impacts on milk production.

OBJECTIVES 

The main objective of the project is to increase Pakistan's agricultural productivity by improving skills, conducting research, and increasing adoption of new agricultural practices and technologies.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

• Improve soil fertility through demonstration and dissemination of best management practices to farmers.
• Coordinate a Pakistan Water Dialogue, which aims to address issues related to surface water and ground water, especially on-farm water storage and management.
• Introduce modern pre- and post-harvest technologies to help farmers control and eradicate pests in horticulture crops. This will help reduce losses and increase exports of selected horticulture crops.
• Train government extension agents, animal health regulatory personnel, local government representatives, and farmers in an effort to develop an Animal Emergency Response Protocol and set up Animal Emergency Response Teams at the national and regional levels.
• Set up a demonstration dairy farm with high-yielding dairy animals imported from the United States. This demonstration farm will incorporate good management practices in animal nutrition, animal care and welfare, genetic improvements, veterinary care and treatment, and good milking practices. The farm also will demonstrate how such practices have positive impacts on milk production.
• Demonstrate and disseminate practices and technologies to help farmers to store and use water efficiently.