KP to launch agri uplift schemes in merged districts

PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to launch 16 agricultural sector development schemes under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the uplift of erstwhile Federal Administered Tribal Area (Fata) in merged districts. It was stated during a review meeting on Agriculture Department’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the upcoming financial year 2026-27 with Advisor to KP CM on Agriculture on Mian Muhammad Umar Kakakhel in the chair here on Monday. The advisor was given a detailed briefing on ongoing and proposed development projects under Annual Development Programme for 2026-27. The proposed initiatives include promotion of innovate farming through advanced agricultural machinery, installation of solarised tube-wells and efficient groundwater management systems to enhance agricultural production, promotion of biological pest control and feasibility studies for cold chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, expansion of olive cultivation, strengthening of virus-free seed potato production systems, establishment of a tissue culture laboratory for Dhakki dates and upgradation of germplasm resource centers. To empower youth and develop human resources in agricultural sector, the government is also introducing interest-free loans for agriculture graduates, educational scholarships in agricultural sciences and internship programmes. Other important initiatives include the establishment of a Mountain Agricultural Research Centre in Lower Dir, promotion of temperate horticultural crops, estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural sector, improvement of crop estimation systems, development of command areas of small dams, enhancement of irrigation infrastructure and expansion of smart irrigation projects. Agriculture Department has also proposed a major project titled “Protection of Vulnerable Agricultural Land through Land Stabilisation Structures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” to address the challenges posed by climate change and land erosion. Under this project, 1, 150 agricultural land stabilisation structures will be constructed across the province, including merged districts, to protect farmland from erosion, rainwater runoff and declining soil fertility. Similarly, proposed programme includes projects aimed at supporting women farmers in the merged districts, promoting small businesses, encouraging cultivation of high-value crops and seasonal vegetables in Tirah Valley, establishing a Tribal Agricultural Research Centre, promoting honey production and ensuring sustainable management of water resources. Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Mian Muhammad Umar said that several new development projects have been proposed under Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27 to promote agricultural growth, modern technology, efficient utilisation of water resources, climate change adaptation and farmers welfare. He stated that proposed initiatives aim to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen rural economy, and create new opportunities for agricultural development across the province, particularly in the merged districts. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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