Islamabad, 8 September 2023 (TDI): The Directorate of Agriculture Extension in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and UNDP Pakistan, has inaugurated four Agriculture Training Centers (ATCs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts.
Through collaborative efforts, the centers aim to enhance the agricultural skills of farmers in the merged districts, promote the cultivation of alternative crops, and combat illicit crop cultivation and drug-related crimes.
The UNDP Pakistan Rule of Law Programme, in partnership with the Sustainable Development Unit of the Planning and Development Department (P&DD) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established these ATCs with financial support from the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
The districts of Bajaur, Khyber, Mohmand, and Torghar are home to these centers, aiming to provide training to local farmers in the cultivation of alternative crops as an alternative to poppy cultivation, which has been predominant in these areas.
This transition to alternative crops aims to create income diversification opportunities and gradually reduce the prevalence of illicit activities related to narcotics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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The training provided at these ATCs encompasses skill-building sessions covering various aspects of crop cultivation, such as land preparation, planting, weeding, irrigation, harvesting, storage, and marketing.
Leveraging modern technologies, these centers aim to improve the flow of information to farmers in these regions, facilitating connections with enterprises for long-term income and employment prospects.
The successful completion of this $975K project was celebrated with the participation of Lori Antolinez, Director of the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Muhammad Jawed Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary of Agriculture Department, and Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative.
Under the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, the United States is dedicated to assisting Pakistan in enhancing climate resilience, advancing energy transformation, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Lori Antolinez from the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement emphasized how these training centers empower farmers and their families to acquire new skills, cultivate profitable crops, and contribute to a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, highlighted the crucial role played by the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in establishing sustainable alternative livelihood solutions in the merged areas.
