The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched its largest RABI seed distribution drive for this year in FATA.
The seed distribution drive began successfully last week in Bara, Khyber agency with 2571 beneficiaries receiving seed packages just on the first day of the distribution drive. Out of these, 1924 beneficiary growers received 50 kgs of wheat seed each which can be sown on 1 acre of land.
Another 647 beneficiaries who rely on livestock production for their livelihood were given fodder package. Lentil seed which is considered a cheap source of protein is also being distributed along with oat seed. Lentil intercropping with oat will help in the provision of nitrogen which is an essential element for plant growth.
FAO estimates that it will be able to reach out to 18, 452 identified needy people in Khyber Agency of FATA during this winter season.
FAO’s operation is linked to ensuring food security. The beneficiaries are the temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) who have recently returned to their homes in their area which was hit by conflict.
According to FAO’s senior officials, a holistic approach has been adopted in its project activities where seed distribution is carried out. In addition the TDPs have been facilitated in land reclamation so that the land which could no longer be used was made fit for cultivation again.
This also includes rehabilitation of irrigation schemes and capacity building through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Women Open Schools (WOS).
FAO seed distribution is supported by the Agriculture Extention Directorate of the FATA Secretariat. Pakistan Army provides security at FAO’s distribution points to facilitate the entire process.
Seed distribution is well underway in North and South Waziristan and Kurram agencies and will be completed by end of November.
The target beneficiaries for North Waziristan are 42,446. In South Waziristan and Kurram 30,128 and 9,600 will be targeted.