Jan says that more jobs can be generated through the development of agriculture and hydro power generation. PHOTO: FILE/REUTERS
PESHAWAR: The provincial government has allocated Rs0.2 billion for development of the agriculture sector, while Rs0.2 billion has been allotted to livestock and dairy under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2012-13.
During a press briefing at the Officers Mess on Tuesday, Provincial Agriculture Minister Arbab Ayub Jan said that the government has initiated 49 projects, including 13 new projects, to uplift the agriculture sector in the province. “When I took the ministry, the share of agriculture in ADP was merely 0.8%, he said.
The briefing highlighted the performance of the provincial government in various departments in the province since 2008.
He said that they have achieved a target of producing 4,000 tonnes of wheat, which is sufficient to meet the needs of the province for 2013. A Memorandum of Understanding will also be signed between Afghanistan and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government to export wheat to the neighbouring country for revenue generation.
He also said that 550 tube wells have been installed in the province to bring 2,500,000 square yards of barren land under cultivation. Cost of tube wells for farmers will also be subsidised by 50%. A single tube well costs around Rs0.6 million.
Jan said that more jobs can be generated through the development of agriculture and hydro power generation.
Jan called for the construction of the Gomal Zam Dam. Once completed, it will provide water to 0.2 million acres of land.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2013.
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