ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (INP-WealthPK): In order to ensure food security during the current cropping season, 14,850 flood-affected farmers in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan and Khyber districts will be provided with 1,485 tonnes of fertiliser and 743 tonnes of certified wheat seed by USAID-ERDA and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Department.
Farmers in the flood-affected areas of Mathra, Shah Alam, and Chamkani in the Peshawar district have received 3,800 bags (50 kg each) of fertiliser and 1,900 bags (50 kg each) of certified wheat seed from USAID’s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (USAID-ERDA).
With the help of USAID-ERDA, 1,900 flood-affected farmer households are now able to grow wheat on their 1,900 acres of land during this Rabi season, which will eventually ensure food security by making enough wheat available throughout the next harvest season.
During the current month, 12,100 farmers in the Dera Ismail Khan district and 850 farmers in the Khyber districts would get certified wheat seed and fertiliser from USAID-ERDA.
This year’s heavy monsoon rains and flash floods devastated Pakistan. It has had a significant influence on every aspect of life, resulting in shocking human casualties as well as severe damage to infrastructure, crops, animals, and shelters. It also compelled the government to declare a flood emergency and issue a call for aid.
The USAID-ERDA has provided crucial assistance at the request of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to maintain food security in the flood-affected Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar, and Khyber districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Agriculture Secretary Mohammad Israr Khan said: “Farmers are the most affected segment and they need our assistance to cover their losses and get back on track. USAID has been very kind in providing their assistance and we expect that they will continue their support in the rehabilitation of our farmers.”
He thanked USAID for its assistance in a time of need, saying the flood devastation is beyond the government’s reach.
Prior to providing certified wheat seed and fertiliser to 1,900 impacted farmers in three parts of the Peshawar district —Mathra, Shah Alam, and Chamkani— USAID-ERDA conducted a fast evaluation in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Department.
