Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Major (Retd) Sajjad Barkwal, has directed agricultural officers to prioritize resolving farmers’ issues and ensure full cooperation with them. The instructions were issued during his visit to the Agriculture Department office in Dera Ismail Khan.
While chairing a meeting at the Agriculture Extension Directorate, where department officers provided a detailed briefing, Provincial Minister Barkwal emphasized that the core mandate of the Agriculture Department is to extend maximum support to farmers, boost agricultural output, and ensure food security. The meeting was attended by Tehsil Mayor Umar Amin and district agriculture officers from Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Upper Waziristan, and Lower Waziristan.
The minister revealed that revolutionary measures for the agricultural sector have been planned under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, with substantial funds allocated in the provincial budget. Consultations with department officers have been completed to ensure effective implementation.
Minister Barkwal urged officers to dedicate all efforts toward enhancing on-ground production to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency targets. He affirmed the provincial government is taking comprehensive measures at all levels to address landowners’ concerns.
District officers were instructed to hold monthly coordination committee meetings to resolve farmers’ issues promptly and significantly increase crop yields. Strict attendance compliance was mandated, with warnings that negligence would not be tolerated and absentees would face disciplinary action.
The minister further announced the provincial government will launch a major project to cultivate barren lands, stressing the promotion of high-value cash crops and horticulture. He also directed the immediate purchase of 3,000 acres of land in Dera Ismail Khan to establish an agricultural complex.
