PepsiCo, a prominent international food and beverage company, took part in a seminar hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) at the University of Agriculture in Peshawar to mark World Food Day. Notable figures from the World Food Programme (WFP), UN Women, PepsiCo, and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the event, which revolved around the theme, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” emphasizing the inclusive approach to water access and food security.
Mr. Farrukh Toirov, the FAO’s Head of Office in KP, underscored the connection between the region’s agricultural prospects and the vital Indus River. He stressed the significance of water for agriculture and food availability, highlighting the importance of responsible water management and support for sustainable agriculture through initiatives like the Living Indus Initiative, aimed at addressing climate-related threats.
Haseeb Malik, Director of Agriculture Operations at PepsiCo Pakistan, presented the company’s initiatives during the seminar. He emphasized efforts to restore the Indus Basin, promote sustainable agriculture, and support farming communities, with a particular focus on women. Mr. Malik underscored PepsiCo Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable water management, offering farmers knowledge and technology for responsible water usage. He also mentioned their dedication to water conservation within company operations and local communities. He noted that the Living Indus Initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s global pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainability agenda, aiming to create a more resilient agricultural system benefiting people and the planet.
Dr. Rizwan Ahmed, Registrar of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, led the panel discussion. Other panelists included Louis Sowe, Head of WFP in KP, Zainab Qaiser Khan, Director General of the UN Women Sub Office in KP, and Dr. Abdul Bari, Director General of Agriculture Research, Government of KP. The panelists emphasized key concerns crucial for Pakistan’s future agricultural success, especially in the province. They discussed equitable water access for small farmers, women-led sustainable farming practices for food security, strategies to combat climate change for agricultural resilience, and efforts to empower women and young individuals to foster inclusive agriculture.
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