White revolution: Govt plans to launch dairy project in FATA

It is aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in the region.

PESHAWAR: The federal government has expressed the intention of launching a gigantic project called “Doodh Darya” (Milk River) through the establishment of dairy villages in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

This project is aimed at helping tribesmen associated with the dairy farming business and will meet consumers’ demand for quality milk.

Fata Livestock and Dairy Development Department Planning Officer Dr Kamran told APP on Friday that the project had been proposed for the Annual Development Plan (ADP) of the tribal region for fiscal year 2015-16.

“PC-I of the project has been sent to the Planning and Development Department Fata seeking its input and later it will be presented for inclusion in the ADP for 2015-16,” said Kamran.

The two-year project was estimated to cost Rs27 million and would be implemented by the government and farmers through a joint venture programme to bring a white revolution in Fata, he said.

“The source of funding will be either the ADP or non-ADP depending on the final decision.”

Sharing details of the project, he said ideally a village near the urban centre and market of a tribal agency, where 50% of land had access to irrigation water, would be selected.

“Additionally, 10 or 15 households of the same village having at least 100 animals with minimum milk production of 15 to 20 litres per day would be encouraged.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2015.

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