AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Peshawar, A pivotal meeting dedicated to advancing the irrigation and agriculture sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took place in Peshawar on Wednesday, led by Ministers Aqibullah Khan and Major Retired Muhammad Sajjad Barkwal. The gathering aimed to evaluate current initiatives and chart new directions for enhancing agricultural productivity, particularly in the province’s southern districts.
According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the session focused on scrutinizing ongoing projects while laying groundwork for future endeavors that include transforming barren lands into fertile grounds for cultivation. Among the key strategies adopted were the promotion of orchard cultivation and the provision of subsidized seeds for olives and groundnuts to local farmers, alongside specialized training programs designed to uplift the agricultural capabilities of landowners and farmers.
In a move to bolster water management and irrigation, the meeting outlined plans for the construction of approximately 10,000 water storage tanks and agricultural tube wells in the Lakki Marwat area. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable agricultural development and water usage efficiency across the region.
Additionally, the province is embarking on a kitchen garden project to facilitate indoor vegetable production, further diversifying the agricultural landscape and enhancing food security. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency, aiming to reduce reliance on external sources for wheat and other essential food items.
The ministers emphasized the government’s dedication to making the lands of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arable, highlighting it as a fundamental responsibility to achieve agricultural independence and ensure the province’s self-sufficiency in food production. The meeting marks a significant step towards realizing the potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern districts as key contributors to the region’s agricultural prosperity.