Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) organized a one-day educational and recreational agro-tourism visit to National Tea and High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI) Shinkiari Tea Garden, Research Centre Shinkiari and the Hazara University Museum to promote agro-tourism in the province.
The study tour was attended by female students from various educational institutions, families, and individuals interested in tourism.
During the visit, participants explored Pakistan’s largest tea gardens at Shinkiari, Mansehra where they received practical exposure to tea cultivation, research, processing, packaging and production techniques.
Experts of the institute delivered detailed briefings on the importance of indigenous tea production in Pakistan highlighting its economic potential and promising future of tea cultivation as a high value agricultural sector.
The participants also visited Hazara University Museum where they were introduced to rich history, archaeological heritage, cultural legacy and artifacts of the Hazara region.
Later, the visitors enjoyed the scenic beauty of Siran Valley, experiencing its breathtaking landscapes, local culture, traditional way of life and natural attractions. They also purchased locally produced tea, traditional qahwa, honey, and a variety of agricultural and handicraft products supporting local businesses and rural communities.
The participants highly appreciated the initiative taken by KPCTA stating that agro-tourism programs not only introduce young people to modern agricultural practices and research but also promote environmental conservation, sustainable tourism and appreciation of local culture and heritage.
They expressed hope that such educational and recreational tours would continue in future to create greater awareness among youth about tourism, agriculture and natural heritage of KP.