LAHORE: Punjab has proposed a £300,000, 12-month agricultural pilot to help farmers in the Cholistan and Thal desert regions adapt to climate-related challenges through resilient crop trials, digital agricultural advice and community-based early warning systems.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed initiative, titled AgriAdapt, is listed under the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan. Its budget is indicative, and the project remains at the proposal stage.
The initiative aims to identify crops and farming practices suited to the environmental conditions of the two desert regions, where agricultural production faces challenges related to water scarcity, extreme temperatures and variable rainfall.
Demonstration Farms and Digital Climate Advice
Under the proposal, demonstration sites would be established in Cholistan and Thal to test climate-resilient crops and agricultural practices suited to local conditions.
Farmers would receive training and access to climate information and digital advice to help them make informed decisions about crop selection, planting schedules and other farming activities.
The approach is intended to strengthen farmers’ capacity to manage climate risks and improve the sustainability of agricultural production in vulnerable desert areas.
Community-based early warning systems would also form part of the proposed intervention, helping farmers access relevant information about potential climate-related threats and prepare for changing conditions.
Proposed 12-Month Implementation Plan
The project would be implemented in phases over one year.
- Months 1–2: Selection of demonstration sites, baseline assessments and crop planning.
- Months 3–8: Establishment of demonstrations and delivery of farmer training.
- Months 6–10: Development of market linkages and connections with crop insurance services.
- Months 11–12: Assessment of results and preparation of a plan for potential expansion.
The overlapping phases would allow market and insurance-related activities to begin while field demonstrations and training were still underway.
Agriculture Department to Lead Implementation
Punjab’s Agriculture Department would implement the proposed pilot, while the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) would serve as the technical lead.
Private businesses, researchers and community organisations would also be involved in supporting market access, agricultural processing and outreach to farming communities.
The proposed partnerships are intended to connect climate adaptation measures with practical opportunities for farmers to market their produce and manage agricultural risks.
Potential for Wider Climate Adaptation
If approved and implemented, AgriAdapt could provide practical evidence on which crops, farming methods and advisory services are most suitable for the two desert regions. The findings could help inform decisions about expanding climate-resilient agriculture initiatives to other vulnerable areas.
The proposed pilot also reflects the importance of combining agricultural research, accessible climate information, financial risk management and market support to strengthen rural livelihoods.
However, the initiative remains a proposal, and its budget, implementation arrangements and expected outcomes should not be treated as confirmed until formally approved.
