KP governor calls for improving agri, livestock sectors

PESHAWAR: Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has asked the authorities concerned to take concrete steps to improve the performance and working of agriculture, livestock, fisheries and irrigation sectors in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

Additional Chief Secretary Fata Fida Wazir, Secretary P&LDD Fata Abdul Latif, director agriculture and other concerned senior officials attended the meeting. The governor was briefed on agriculture sector in Fata, said a handout.

The meeting was told that 0.696 million hectare cultivable land is available in Fata out of which 0.23 million hectares are being is used for agriculture. The governor was informed that 16 small dams are in operation in Fata through which 7,686 hectare area is irrigated.

The governor said that by focusing on agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors not only ratio of productivity could be enhanced but also more employment opportunities could be generated.

He added the agriculture was the backbone of the national economy. To enhance cultivable area in Fata, he remarked, there was a need to develop agriculture sector on scientific lines and concentrate upon research and innovation to make this possible.