GB government pressed to audit output of long-running agricultural project
PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Farmers and residents of Jaglot Sai have called for a comprehensive review of the performance of an agricultural research facility established on land allocated by the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), saying the project has failed to deliver the expected benefits to the local farming community.
The facility was intended to promote agricultural research suited to the region’s climatic conditions, improve productivity and help Gilgit-Baltistan move towards greater self-sufficiency in food production. Its planned areas of work included improved fruit varieties, livestock and dairy farming, fisheries and medicinal plants, along with training for local farmers in modern agricultural techniques and technologies.
However, residents and farmers in Jaglot Sai claim that the expected transformation in local agriculture has not taken place despite the passage of years. They say the area, despite its fertile land and favourable climate, continues to face agricultural underdevelopment and remains dependent on vegetables brought in from Swat, Mansehra and other parts of the country.
Local stakeholders argue that greater investment in scientific research, improved seeds, irrigation systems and farmer training could significantly increase agricultural output in the area. They say Jaglot Sai has the potential to meet the needs of Gilgit district and contribute vegetables, fruits, milk and other agricultural products to markets across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The residents have also questioned claims that the agricultural facility has achieved significant success, urging authorities to assess its performance through consultations with local farmers and other stakeholders.
The government should evaluate whether the objectives set at the time of allocating the land have been achieved and whether research findings have been translated into practical benefits for farmers, said a local journalist Ehsan Mir.
Locals have demanded that the Gilgit-Baltistan government establish an inquiry commission headed by the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a detailed assessment of PARC’s activities and its impact on local agriculture.
They have also proposed placing the institution under the administrative control of the Gilgit-Baltistan government to improve oversight and ensure that agricultural research is aligned with the region’s priorities.
The demand comes amid concerns over poverty, unemployment and limited agricultural development in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Residents believe stronger institutional accountability and greater support for farmers could help unlock the region’s agricultural potential and reduce dependence on food supplies from outside the area.
The government and PARC’s response to the concerns raised by local stakeholders was not immediately available.
