Province Report
PESHAWAR: Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar has said that Provincial Government is simultaneously introducing comprehensive reforms in the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) to promote Agriculture sector, ensure farmers prosperity, and increase agricultural productivity, while also making agricultural extension services more effective and farmer-friendly through modern digital technologies.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the affairs, performance, challenges and proposed reforms of Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). The meeting was attended by Director General Agriculture Extension Dr. Naveed, Director General Agriculture Services Academy Murad Ali and other senior officials of Agriculture Department.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the financial resources of the ADF, seed production, storage, processing and system of supplying quality seeds to farmers.
Mian Muhammad Umar stated that Agriculture Development Fund would be further strengthened on modern lines and its administrative, financial and operational capacities would be enhanced.
Meeting also reviewed key challenges facing ADF, including lack of modern processing machinery and shortage of human resources.
Separately, while addressing a review meeting on digital reforms in Agriculture Department, Advisor Agriculture Muhammad Umar said that revolutionary changes are being introduced in agricultural services through modern technology. Farmers are being provided timely information regarding weather forecasts, crop management, disease control and government schemes through call centers, web portals, mobile applications, SMS, and phone calls.
He reiterated that Provincial Government is committed to making Agriculture Development Fund more active, self-sustaining and aligned with modern requirements, while also promoting use of digital technology to ensure farmers have access to timely and reliable agricultural information.
