ISLAMABAD:
A Record of Discussion (RoD) has been signed for capacity development of agriculture extension services in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Inked by three bodies including Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), PARC stated that under the project, 100 agriculture officers and 250 field assistants will be trained in different areas of agriculture.
The project also aims at strengthening agricultural extension services in the province in order to perform their role effectively in improving farm productivity, employment generation, mitigating environmental degradation and uplifting socio-economic conditions of rural masses.
The government has approved the ‘Capacity Development of Agriculture Extension Services in KP’ project with the financial assistance from JICA at a total cost of Rs120.9 million including Rs117.5 million as JICA grant.
Speaking on the occasion, PARC Acting Chairman Dr Munir Ahmad said that effective and efficient extension services play a crucial role in boosting agriculture for uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the farmers.
He emphasised that the technology developed in one province should be shared, stressing the need for feedback. He appreciated the role of JICA for the development of agriculture in Pakistan.
Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, chief representative for JICA Pakistan Office, highlighted the history of cooperation in agriculture between Japan and Pakistan.
He assured full support from JICA for the improvement of agriculture for poverty reduction in the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2014.
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It is pity that PARC and NARC are intervening in provincial and district level affairs at the cost of non-delivering of goods as per their mandate i.e., coordinating the research activities and conducting of high-tech research. I am sure that 120.9 million rupees shall be wasted with no outcome. The project "Capacity Development of Agriculture Extension Services in KP" seems to be executed for individual vested interests and an impartial probe is required to unearth the realities.