PAVE Pakistan’s response to COVID-19
In Pakistan, 75 per cent of seed is uncertified and sold through informal channels. Most of this uncertified seed does not meet minimum quality standards, resulting in poor yields. To help address this challenge, a BPP partnership with MEDA and Engro Corporation in Pakistan is increasing the participation of male and female smallholder farmers in the Sheikhupura and Gujranwala districts in Punjab in the seed value chain.
The partnership is working to improve farmers’ skills, expertise, crop yields and income. To date, more than 4,400 farmers in 205 villages have been trained as seed producers and entrepreneurs.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic in Pakistan, project activities were paused during lockdown. With activities recently recommenced, the project team continues to actively raise awareness amongst farmers and their communities of important COVID safety guidelines.
Read more about the partnership’s COVID response on the MEDA blog
Engro Foundation
Engro Foundation is the social investment arm of Engro Foods, established in 2009. Business inclusiveness is at the heart of Engro’s social impact strategy as the company looks to integrate the underprivileged, youth and women into its value chains. Inclusive business drives the company’s commitments towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates)
For 60 years, MEDA has implemented market-driven initiatives in the developing world. MEDA focuses on market systems development, inclusive financial services, and investment-led programming. MEDA has a strong history in agriculture, building and strengthening the business foundations and commercial relationships smallholder farmers need to improve their livelihoods.
