TIMES REPORT
SWABI: Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umer chaired an Khuli Kachari at Tarakai House in Swabi on the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Labour Faisal Khan Tarakai, senior officials of the Agriculture Department, elected representatives and a large number of farmers.
During the Khuli Kachari, farmers highlighted challenges facing the agriculture sector, presented suggestions, and shared their development needs. Relevant officials also proposed measures for addressing the issues raised.
Addressing the Khuli Kachari, Mian Muhammad Umer said he was visiting different districts of province on the directives of Chief Minister to hear farmers’ concerns firsthand and ensure their prompt and effective resolution. He said that corruption would not be tolerated in Agriculture Department under any circumstances, adding that officials and employees found involved in corrupt practices would face strict disciplinary action. He emphasized that public funds would be spent solely on public welfare.
Advisor Agriculture Main Muhammad Umar announced that Agriculture Engineering Office would be established in Swabi to facilitate farmers by improving access to agricultural machinery and mechanization services. He said that provincial government was also taking effective measures to address the challenges of climate change while promoting tunnel farming and vertical farming. He added that practical steps were also under consideration to control the spread of Parthenium.
Mian Muhammad Umer further said that capacity of the existing Soil Testing Laboratory in Swabi would be enhanced, while the establishment of another laboratory would also be considered if required. He said a new agricultural loan scheme was being introduced through the Bank of Khyber, enabling farmers to obtain loans on easy installments to improve per-acre crop productivity. He also announced that poor farmers would be provided tube wells under a dedicated support programme.
He warned that if fake fertilizers or substandard pesticides were found in any district, strict action would be taken against the concerned District Director. He said more than 950,000 farmers had so far been registered under the Food Security Support Project, while the registration process was continuing. He added that Bureau of Agriculture Information’s call centre was fully operational, where agricultural experts were providing technical guidance and advisory services to farmers.
Advisor Muhammad Umar also said that Pehur High-Level Canal Extension Project, costing approximately Rs 3 billion, would bring irrigation to around 4,000 acres of land in Swabi district. He added that number of field assistants was also being increased to improve agricultural extension services across the province.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Labour Faisal Khan Tarakai thanked Mian Muhammad Umer for visiting Swabi and said the provincial government was taking practical measures to resolve the issues faced by tobacco growers. He noted that the tobacco cess had already been reduced and announced that a separate Khuli Kachari focusing on irrigation-related issues would soon be held in Swabi to ensure the timely resolution of farmers concerns.
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