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Pakissan.com;
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News Channel |
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$40 million allocated for mechanised farming in Fata
PESHAWAR (June 16 2010): In an effort to augment cultivated lands for improved production and to ensure food security for the people of the Fata, the Government of Pakistan plans to launch Mechanised Agriculture Farming Project (MAFP) at an estimated cost of $40 million, it was learnt here Tuesday.
Sharing the details and objectives of the proposed project, an official of the Fata Secretariat informed that the initiative would impact and benefit more than 90 percent of the total population that derive their livelihood, either directly or indirectly, from agriculture.
According to the project document, MAFP envisages to develop 20,000 acres of land through laser levelling technology on holdings of at least 05 acres. It would be relevant to add that Pakistan is considered to be the pioneer in South Asia to implement laser technology for agricultural development, testing it for the first time in 1985.
"Induction of laser technology will minimise the cost of operation, ensure better degree of accuracy in much lesser time, save irrigation water, ascertain uniform seed germination, increase fertiliser use efficiency and resultantly enhance crop yields", said the official. Thirty thousand acres of lesser holdings would be developed through conventional land levelling technology during the project life stretched across a timeline of five 05 years.
Expansion plan for the developed lands has also been set through crop maximisation programs, implementation of horticultural activities and laying out block orchards. "80 percent of the cost of development will be covered by the project while the remaining 20 percent will come from farmers to ensure ownership", he added. The project would also undertake the establishment of 07 vegetable and fruit markets, one in each Agency, after reckoning that the tribal region did not even have a single regulated market for the local farmers to promote their products.
These markets would be integrated through Management Information System (MIS) to ensure higher returns to these farmers and to create linkages with other markets in other parts of the country. In addition, 20 units for food processing and preservation would also be established. A mass awareness campaign, to be rolled out by the Directorate of Information Fata, would also help contribute in achieving the desired objectives through publicising opportunities that exist in the agricultural and allied sectors within the region.
Courtesy Business Recorder |
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