DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Minister for Agriculture Major retd Sajjad Barkwal chaired a meeting of district officers from various wings of the Agriculture Department in Malakand district, held in Peshawar. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Science, Information, and Technology, Dr. Shafqat Ayaz also attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Major retired Sajjad Barkwal emphasized the significance of Malakand’s agricultural sector, stating that it “awaits dedicated attention, and with improved focus, the district can yield premium crops.” He directed district officers to prioritize maximizing benefits from projects under the Annual Development Program (ADP), stressing that special attention must be paid to fully utilize ongoing ADP schemes.
The Provincial Minister underscored the importance of consulting local representatives in planning and executing development projects, affirming that developmental initiatives and other activities in Malakand will be carried out in consultation with provincial cabinet members and assembly members belonging to the district.
Citing the agricultural priorities under Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur’s leadership, the Provincial Minister stated, “Special focus is being placed on agricultural development across the province under CM’s vision. Adequate measures are being taken to cultivate barren land.”
He highlighted the success of new cultivation initiatives, noting that olive and saffron farming projects launched in various districts are yielding encouraging results. Emphasizing technology’s role, he added, “Optimal use of information technology is indispensable for agricultural progress.”
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, Special Assistant for Science and Technology, endorsed the Minister’s stance, pledging, all possible support will be extended to enhance the use of information technology in agriculture. He assured full cooperation with the Agriculture Department in this regard.
