TIMES REPORT
CHARSADDA: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar on Thursday presided over an open court in Charsadda to address the problems faced by farmers and announced a number of development initiatives for the promotion of agriculture and horticulture in the district.
The open court was attended by Provincial Minister for Mines Arif Ahmadzai, Provincial Minister for Public Health Engineering Fazal Shakoor Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Prisons Iftikharullah Jan, MPA Arshad Khan Umarzai, Deputy Commissioner Charsadda Dr Azmat Wazir, director generals of various wings of the Agriculture Department, relevant officials and a large number of farmers.
Farmers presented their problems, proposals and demands related to the agriculture sector. The adviser heard their concerns in detail and directed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps for their timely resolution.
Mian Umar announced the establishment of a soil testing laboratory in Charsadda and said a cold storage facility would be constructed to promote fruit production and horticulture in the district.
He said Rs500 million had been allocated for the establishment of farm service centres and practical work on the project would begin shortly. He added that substantial funds had also been allocated for the construction of flood protection walls to safeguard agricultural land from floods.
The adviser said watercourses and water channels would be constructed to improve the irrigation system, while effective measures were being taken to prevent the unregulated establishment of housing societies on agricultural land.
He further announced that the government would provide subsidies to farmers affected by substandard seeds. Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems would also be introduced to ensure efficient use of water and increase agricultural productivity, he added.
Later, Mr Umar attended the first-ever Mango Festival held in Charsadda as chief guest. Different varieties of mangoes were displayed at the festival, which attracted considerable interest from visitors.
Various companies also set up stalls showcasing agricultural products, quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. Farmers were provided information about modern agricultural technologies and contemporary farming techniques.
The adviser visited different stalls, inspected various mango varieties and modern agricultural products, and held discussions with representatives of relevant organisations.
Addressing the festival, Mr Umar said the provincial government was taking practical steps to develop the agriculture sector, promote horticulture and increase farmers’ incomes.
He said modern cultivation techniques, value addition and improved marketing of mangoes and other fruits would not only improve the economic condition of farmers but also strengthen the province’s agricultural economy.
He added that agricultural fairs and festivals helped strengthen links among farmers, agricultural experts and the private sector, facilitated the transfer of modern research and technology, and paved the way for sustainable development of the agriculture sector.
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