By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the picturesque town of Jamshoro, Sindh, Dr. Nayab Raza, a visionary and passionate soul, ignited a journey of hope and transformation. As a Fulbright Ph.D. awardee, she carried the torch of sustainability and empowerment, leading a project titled “BHAAN: A Sustainable Food for Soil” under Alumni Small Grant (ASG).
Nayab’s love for her homeland and her commitment to combating climate change drove her to introduce BHAAN, a native freshwater microalgae-based biofertilizer. With unwavering dedication, she embarked on a quest to make Pakistan’s agriculture more climate-smart, sustainable, and gender-inclusive.
Her journey was adorned with accolades and recognition, from being a global semifinalist in the prestigious “Climate Launchpad” competition to winning “Built by Her Hackathon 3.0” and being acknowledged by UNDP, USAID, and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).
But for Nayab, the true triumph lay in the hearts of the farmers she touched. As she traveled through the fields of Tando Qaiser and Kashmore, she witnessed the once barren lands blooming with life. Ghulam Shabbier, a weathered 65-year-old farmer from Tando Qaiser, shared his joy, “BHAAN worked like magic on our once saline patches. Now, our fields thrive with greenery, and my heart is filled with gratitude.”
In Kashmore, 21-year-old Jamel Ahmed beamed with pride, “Thanks to BHAAN, other farmers have noticed our success and want this miracle product for their fields too. We feel like pioneers, bringing a revolution to our community.”
Through her ASG project, Nayab touched more than just soil; she touched hearts and ignited hope. Her training of over 200 women and men farmers in Sindh brought not only financial resources but also a sense of empowerment to the community. Nayab firmly believed that women’s voices were the key to curbing the menace of climate change and fostering resilient communities.
Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and PUAN, Nayab’s vision found wings, turning her dreams into reality. She saw this opportunity as more than just a grant; it was a platform to create a greener and prosperous Pakistan, hand in hand with her fellow citizens.
In the heart of Jamshoro, a radiant legacy continues to bloom, inspiring future generations to follow Nayab’s footsteps. Through her innovative product, BHAAN, she has not only nurtured the soil but also cultivated the hopes and dreams of a nation. Nayab Raza, the water scholar, the founder, the visionary, has sowed the seeds of a sustainable future for Pakistan, one heartbeat at a time.
