Alternatives for agriculture: FATA officials trained in modern methods

PESHAWAR: As chemical fertilisers remain banned in Fata because of their use in improvised explosive devices, government officials affiliated with agriculture are now being trained for alternatives to improve ways of livelihood in war-torn areas, where displaced families are returning.

This was mentioned in a statement issued by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It stated that 25 government officials from Khyber, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan and other agencies in the tribal belt, have successfully completed a five-day training at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad.

Starting anew

New techniques, such as Biozote Technology, or bio-fertiliser, were introduced to the participants. Bio-fertilisers are substances made with microorganisms to make the soil fertile. The statement further read compost can easily be used as an alternative to chemical fertilisers. The participants were trained in the production of vegetables and fruits. They were also given lectures. Training exercises related to water, soil and range management techniques, were also conducted.

The statement quoted FAO Assistant Representative Nasar Hayat as saying, “It is part of our job to help in the efforts aimed at restoring normal life in the conflict-stricken areas of Fata. This training is an endeavour in that direction and we wish to continue to arrange more of them.”

Also present at the training, FAO Project Coordinator Raffaele DelCima urged the participants to share their experiences with farmers, rather than working in isolation.

Also present was NARC Deputy Director General Dr Tariq Mahmood who thanked FAO for its collaboration for the training. He also said that adopting good agricultural practices would help make this world a better place.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2016.