South Korea is donating $200,000 to assist the government of Pakistan counter to the worst locusts plague in more than two decades
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) stated a press release issued that the donation will be channeled through the United Nations WFP and FAO and go towards supporting smallholder farmers, who are most in danger of food shortage due to the emergency.
Korean Ambassador Kwak Sung-Kyu said that feeling sorry for Pakistani farmers suffering from desert locusts, the Korean government has decided to contribute in relief effort to help Pakistani government.
He further said that i hope this support will serve as a good sign to upgrade bilateral agricultural cooperation among Korea and Pakistan including currently ongoing project to establish KOPIA (Korea Programme on International Agriculture) centre in Pakistan.
FAO representative in Pakistan Mina Dowlatchahi said that intensive efforts will help address the current threat of desert locust to ensure food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
WFP representative and Country Director Chris Kaye said that we are grateful for the timely support from the Republic of Korea.
Further said that our main concern is not only to help communities protect their crops and livelihoods, but also build their spirit so that they withstand such shocks better in the future.
WFP and FAO will cooperate under the “Critical support for desert locusts prevention and control operations in Pakistan” project to enhance the capacities of relevant government departments and local farming communities living in locust affected areas.
The project will be implemented in joint effort with the Departments of Plant Protection and Agriculture, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs).