Swat farmers put on path of progress through fruit development project
- November 22, 2013, 2:01 pm
- National News
- 114 Views
ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (INP): After the destruction and damages inflicted by the militancy and the recent devastating floods, the wretched farming community of Swat Valley has managed to come back on the path of progress and development with the help of a project of Italian government.
Italian government funded project "Technical assistance and support to fruit and vegetable growers in the Swat Valley for the improvement of production and marketing in the horticultural value chain" has trained farmers in techniques to help them enhance their produce, decrease post-harvest losses, do proper grading and packing to enhance their exports and earn foreign exchange.
“The Italian project was launched at a proper time when the whole valley was affected by militancy and floods,†Secretary, Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperation Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Hussain Zada Khan said while addressing the closing ceremony of the project here.
He appreciated the Italian government for the project and said that the project provided encouragement to the people in the right way and said through this initiative a horticulture hub will be established in the area.
The project has successfully accomplished its activities, by providing continuous technical support to the rural population of the Swat District of the KPK.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sara Rezoagli, Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy in Pakistan said that providing employment to youth would save them from indulging anti-social activities so the project not only helped the farmers of the valley but would result in employment opportunities to the youth.
Chairman, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad assured his support for the development of agriculture sector in KPK province particularly for the promotion of olive and horticultural crops to improve livelihood of the farming community.
Salahuddin Khan, District Representative, Farm Service Centre, Swat appreciated the role of Italian Experts in providing the various facilities in the area for the fruit and vegetable growers.
Dr. Rizwan Ahmad, P&D Director, Agriculture University, Peshawar said that they have conducted agro environmental survey in the area and training need assessment (TNA) and training of trainers (ToT) for extension staff and farmers.
Dr. Fazal Moula, Project Director (Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperation Department), KPK said that under the capacity building program of this project, they established farmers field school, conducted 16 trainings and 50-55 farmers registered in each session.
Dr. Ahmad Said, Chief Planning Officer, ALCD, KPK gave a detailed description of the promotion of local fruit and vegetable species while Haji Bakht Biland, Beneficiary FSC Kabal highlighted the benefits of facilities established under the project.
Dr. Domenico Bruzzone, Director Overseas Technical Unit for Development Cooperation, Italian Embassy in Islamabad appreciated the project activities and acknowledged the cooperation from all partners associated with the project.
He also thanked the Olive Team of PARC for promotion of olive cultivation in KPK. Dr. Salvatore Farfaglia, Project Coordinator (IAO) and other experts also addressed the participants.
On this occasion documentary film was also screened containing history of the Swat & KPK, area affecting with poverty and the techniques and technologies introduced under the project. Apples and other fruits varieties were also displayed at the site.
