Agriculture
Agriculture is not only a profession but a way of life in South Wazirstan. Major chunk of the local population relies on agriculture for earning their livelihood. War on terrorism costs the valley’s agriculture systems and has left many farmers /labourers heavily indebted and some even jobless. Most of the growers have not been able to get back even the actual cost of production from their crops. To reduce the sufferings
of farmers, quality hybrid seeds, fertilizers and agriculture implements were provided
free of cost. A task force comprising tractors, thrashers, dozers, excavators and
agriculture machinery, worked tirelessly to re-claim the barren land. Cultivation of over 1200 acres
of land was undertaken hand in hand with the local population, through restoration
of water channels, flood protection bunds, and ploughing of fields. Approx 8,500 KG of seed and 1200 KG of fertilizer was provided for sowing of Maize and Wheat in 2011 and 2012. The expected yield per acre of wheat crop was 2500 KGs (though it dropped down to 1500 KGs due to hail storms in harvesting season).
Moreover, 20 fruit orchards have been planted in spring season and “off season vegetables” sown for the first time in winters through tunnel farming which proved to be extremely successful and will be done on large scale in coming winters.
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