25 government officials from Khyber, Kurram, North and South Waziristan Agencies of FATA successfully completed five day training at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad.
This training was arranged by FAO in collaboration with NARC between 15-19th of August.
The participants were trained in areas such as crop, vegetable and fruit production. In addition they received lectures and participated in training exercises related to water, soil and range management techniques.
They were also introduced to new techniques such as Biozote (Bio-fertilizer) Technology which will be helpful in FATA in particular. Compost making and green manuring can easily be used as an alternate to chemical fertilizer.
Assistant Representative FAO, Mr Nasar Hayat, addressing participants said “It is part of our job to help in the efforts aimed at restoring normal life in conflict stricken areas of FATA. This training is an endeavour in that direction and we wish to continue to arrange more of these trainings”
Project Coordinator FAO Programme in FATA, Mr Raffaele DelCima urged the participants not to work in isolation but to share their experiences with farmers.
Also present was Deputy Director General NARC, Dr. Tariq Mahmood who thanked FAO for its collaboration to arrange the training.
He also said that adopting “Good Agricultural Practices” could help make this world a better place.
Participants found the techniques such as compost making very useful and said that they would ensure that they transfer the knowledge by remaining engaged with farming community at Union Council level.
Certificates were awarded to the participants at the closing ceremony.