For sustainability: Strategy on the cards to revive agricultural sector in FATA

FAO holds meeting to discuss project as displaced population returns

PESHAWAR: The government and its donor agencies are devising a strategy to revive agriculture in the tribal belt for the displaced population who will return to their native areas by the end of 2016.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations held the second steering committee meeting of the project for Assistance to Recovery and Development of Agricultural Economy in FATA to discuss these plans. The meeting was held on Monday in Islamabad between the FAO and officials from the FATA Secretariat and other donor agencies.



“The design and nature of the project focuses on the community,” an official present at the meeting told The Express Tribune. “It seeks to empower people in targeted areas to continue to reap benefits [well after the project ends].”

Ban on fertilisers

He added the ban on fertilisers in the tribal areas was also discussed. The ban had been imposed as it was widely believed fertilisers were used to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“We have decided to use organic fertilisers to address the immediate needs of the tribespeople,” he said.

According to official, FAO Pakistan Representative Patrick T Evans told participants at the meeting the main focus of the project was to rebuild the lives of the displaced population and provide timely input on fodder, animal health, fruit tree nursery establishment, fisheries and developing irrigation systems.  He added this would not only help the people rebuild their lives but also improve the overall economy in Fata.

During the moot, FAO Project Manager Raffaele Del Cima gave a detailed presentation on the progress of the project in Khyber and Kurram agencies, a statement read.

Moreover, FATA Planning and Development Additional Secretary Yousaf Rahim appreciated the support of FAO.

On the occasion, it was decided the next steering committee meeting would be held after three months. The project on the recovery of agricultural economy in the tribal areas began in July 2015. It was designed to directly benefit around 26,000 households in Khyber and Kurram agencies.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2016.