SWABI - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Department is set to inject Rs30 billion into the agriculture sector through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Economic Transformation Project (KPETP). Officials, at a workshop in Swabi, outlined the comprehensive seven-year initiative, emphasizing its potential to make farming more lucrative and attractive. The project’s main financial backing comes from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with co-financiers including the European Union, domestic beneficiaries, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
IFAD’s Director, Zaheer-ud-din Babar, identified the central agri-business cluster, comprising districts like Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Khyber, and Mohmand. The strategic plan aims to benefit every district in the province, making it a transformative endeavor for the entire region.
Sajjad Mohammed, the Agri-business and Agri-skills Manager, provided detailed insights into the project. Notable components include the establishment of Professional Farmers Organizations (PFO), incorporating over 400 members. The financial structure involves 70% assistance from the government and 30% from the farmers, aiming to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.
Another significant aspect of the initiative is the establishment of public-private producers partnerships. In the subsequent phase, the government farming centers across the province will undergo a reorganization, enhancing efficiency and impact. This multi-faceted approach signifies a comprehensive effort to rejuvenate and modernize the agricultural landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The workshop held in Swabi marks the first in a series of gatherings planned for different districts. With the IFAD-backed project unfolding, the agricultural sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is poised for positive transformation, promising benefits not only for the government but also for local farmers. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to boost the agriculture sector’s economic viability and attractiveness, aligning with broader goals of rural economic development and sustainability in the region.