A Ray of Hope: Noor Bibi Rebuilds her life through Onion Farming

The 2022 floods in Balochistan were more than just a catastrophe; they were a nightmare for countless families reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. Among those who faced severe losses was Noor Bibi, a farmer's wife, who watched in despair as the relentless rains obliterated their entire harvest. Their sole source of income vanished overnight, leaving them struggling to afford even the most basic necessities. "Our crops were destroyed, our debts accumulated, and our hopes faded," Noor Bibi recounted, her voice laden with emotion. Just as they began to recover from this devastation, another setback occurred, unseasonal hailstorms ravaged their land, deepening their despair. For months, Noor Bibi and her husband lived in constant uncertainty, unsure how to feed their children or repay the loans they had taken to cultivate their land.

The future seemed bleak until assistance arrived. With the support of Citi Foundation, TKF visited their village, gathering farmers to discuss climate change and modern farming techniques. Noor Bibi’s husband attended the meeting and returned home with unexpected news—their land had been chosen for an onion cultivation initiative supported by TKF/Citi Foundation. For the first time in months, Noor Bibi felt a glimmer of hope. With technical guidance, seeds, and support provided by TKF and Citi Foundation, they began cultivating onions on their land. Every day, she and her husband tend to the growing crop, observing its progress despite the challenges posed by changing weather patterns. "In just two months, these onions will be ready for harvest," Noor Bibi shared, a newfound optimism in her eyes.

The income from this yield could be their turning point helping them clear debts, buy essentials, and regain stability. But Noor Bibi’s story is not just about one family. Women farmers across Balochistan face the same struggles. With rising temperatures, unpredictable rains, and extreme weather events, traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient. Without intervention, many families will continue to fall into poverty.

Noor Bibi is demonstrating that women farmers can rebuild their lives if given the right support. However, thousands of families still need urgent help to adopt climate-resilient agriculture and secure their future.

"The floods left us with nothing, and the hailstorms made it worse. When Citi Foundation and TKF chose our land for onion farming, it felt like a second chance. This crop could change our lives—and help other female farmers do the same."

— Noor Bibi, Farmer, Balochistan Photos and story gathered by: Jamil Khan

Story edited by: Mehnoor Ahmad