Peshawar: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Agriculture, Mian Muhammad Umar on Thursday announced a series of initiatives for farmers during a one-day visit to Malakand, including the establishment of a Rice Research Centre in Malakand and an Agricultural Research Station in Lower Dir.
Addressing an open forum held at the Agriculture Extension Department office, the adviser listened to farmers grievances and directed officials to resolve several issues on the spot. He said the provincial government would address the problems of farmers on a priority and utilize all available resources to support the agriculture sector.
He announced that farmers in Malakand would receive small agricultural machinery at subsidised rates within the next three months. He also said subsidised drip irrigation systems, sprinkler irrigation systems, free vertical farming facilities, and land levelling services would be provided to help improve agricultural productivity.
Mian Muhammad Umar, said a dedicated complaint cell had been established to enable farmers to register complaints through an online portal and mobile phone, assuring that prompt action would be taken on all genuine complaints. He warned officials against demanding bribes or commissions, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
Earlier, the adviser inaugurated the monsoon tree plantation campaign by planting a fruit sapling at the Agriculture Extension Office. He also announced that 3,900 free fruit plants, including mango, guava, fig, pomegranate, and loquat, would be distributed among farmers in Malakand through district funds.
The adviser later chaired a meeting with officials of the Agriculture Extension, Water Management, and Soil and Water Conservation departments, directing them to perform their duties with honesty, resist undue pressure, and ensure maximum relief for farmers.