The IFAD-supported Crop Maximization Support Project is designed to provide direct support to the Government of Pakistan’s Crop Maximization Project (CMP-II). Working within the CMP-II framework, this project serves 10 districts in the provinces of Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and the North-West Frontier Province.

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and employs roughly 45 per cent of the country’s labour force. However, the sector continues to face a number of critical challenges that limit productivity and profitability and hinder development. Some main challenges include stagnating yields, wide yield differences between farms and a lack of financial resources and investment.

Support from this project contributes to improved food security and poverty reduction among rural people, particularly small landowners, tenant farmers, landless households and women. The project is designed to:

• Increase crop production through enhanced access to crop inputs
• Increase food security through better production and incomes
• Empower small farmers and disadvantaged villagers by supporting self-managed community organizations
• Promote the equitable participation of women and landless people in community development

Source: IFAD