PESHAWAR: To strengthen food security and cope with climate change, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched an $88 million Food Security Support Project in the province with the financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Official sources said that this ADB’s financially supported project aimed at strengthening agriculture scoter, food security and climate-resilient farming. It is also supporting farmers in seven flood-affected districts, strengthening agricultural institutions and promoting modern farming technologies.
In this connection, more than 930,000 farmers have so far been registered under the project, creating a large digital database of farmers across the province. Moreover, work is underway on an e-subsidy system and a branchless banking model to ensure transparent and efficient delivery of agricultural support.
Verification of farmers’ accounts is also in progress so eligible farmers can receive assistance in the next phase. Officials said arrangements were being made to provide wheat, quality seeds and fertiliser to farmers. A grievance redressal mechanism has also been established to address farmers’ complaints and problems.
The project has also introduced modern technology in the agriculture sector. A GIS and remote sensing laboratory has been established, while Crop Reporting Services have been digitalised. Under the project, 500 motorcycles, six tractors and six mini-trucks have been provided to farmers. Solarisation and rehabilitation work at several agricultural offices and laboratories has also been completed.
Officials said that the project aims to provide wheat, rice and fertiliser support to 450,000 farmers and assistance to 42,000 vegetable growers. It will also provide kitchen gardening and food-processing facilities to 28,000 women, while seed-cleaning and safe agricultural-use kits have already been distributed among 25,000 women.
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