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MULTAN, Nov 03 (APP):Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture (MNSUA) organized a public forum on “Climate-Resilient Flood Recovery: Demand Grants, Not Loans.” The event brought together representatives from NGOs, academia, and local communities to discuss practical solutions for post-flood recovery in the severely affected areas of Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur.
Participants at the forum stressed the urgent need for grants instead of loans to aid recovery efforts in communities already struggling with economic burdens. They called for coordinated action among government bodies, NGOs, and local stakeholders to ensure sustainable rehabilitation in flood-impacted regions.
MNSUA Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asif Ali highlighted the importance of focusing on climate change mitigation as a critical factor in preventing future disasters. He pointed to the growing threats posed by heatwaves and smog, stressing the need for efficient water management and the implementation of climate adaptation strategies.
Mr. Jawaid Iqbal, Programmes Manager at the Doaba Foundation, opened the session by outlining the forum’s primary objectives: to advocate for grants rather than loans for flood-affected communities and to prepare a joint mission report on flood impacts for presentation at global platforms to mobilize international support.
Prof. Dr. Hammad Nadeem Tahir emphasized the importance of community-based and government-supported strategies for effective disaster management and recovery. Prof. Dr. Abdul Ghaffar addressed the pre- and post-flood recovery challenges, including resource management, livestock feed shortages, and drainage issues in low-lying areas. He proposed the formation of technical teams for field-level support, the promotion of silage and hay production, the provision of improved seed varieties, and the establishment of early warning systems.
Dr. Khurram Mubeen presented findings from a joint post-flood survey that compared district-specific damages and recovery needs in Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur. The report detailed crop and livestock losses, recovery challenges, and proposed interventions to address these issues.
Mr. Zulkifl Ashraf from the Doaba Foundation discussed emergency agricultural input support, integrated livestock and infrastructure rehabilitation, and district-specific recovery priorities. Dr. Nabeel Ahmad Ikram shared details of MNSUA’s initiative to distribute free kitchen gardening kits to flood-affected families, promoting food security and household resilience.
The forum concluded with a unified call to action, urging decision-makers to amplify the voices of affected communities and advocate for “Grants, Not Loans” in the flood recovery process.