Without any expert assistance: 3 years on, Mastuj Valley still without agriculture officer

The previous official retired three years ago; no one has been appointed since.

CHITRAL:

Farmers in Mastuj Valley are deeply concerned over not having an agriculture official for their area – since three years and counting. Troubled farmers are eager to share their woes, but struggle to find official help.

Muhammad Sareer Khan, president of a local farming organisation, addressed a gathering of cultivators on Friday. Khan explained the unavailability of agriculture officials has had a negative effect on productivity. “The entire population is associated with farming and no one in the area can be consulted about our problems,” he added.

There are multiple apricot, pear and apple orchards in the valley, but the overall productivity has “deceased immensely,” shared Khan.

“The agriculture official who used to work in the area retired three years ago and since then, no one has been appointed to Mastuj.” Khan claimed officials are willing to be posted in the area but the government does not want to appoint anyone.

Though local farmers understand the basics of pest control and how diseases can ruin crop productivity, they are unaware of the technological advancements in agriculture and how to tackle and avoid various diseases, he added.

“Despite having raised the issue of the vacancy repeatedly at different forums and with government officials, no one has responded,” he said.



Cultivators complained productivity has been adversely affected because they have been unable to get a consult on seeds and fertilisers. Some complained they needed advice on how to properly plan orchards but there was no one to offer expertise.

They threatened to cancel their Agriculture Farm Service Centre membership if an agriculture officer is not appointed. Farmers also feel abandoned as no government official paid a visit to the valley after the recent floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2013.