PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Major (Retd) Sajjad Barkwal has stated that academic and policy-level events yield far-reaching outcomes for agricultural development.
He emphasized that Pakistan, particularly resource-limited and climate-vulnerable provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faces significant agricultural challenges. Nevertheless, the Agriculture Department is undertaking commendable initiatives.
Provincial Minister Sajjad Barkwal expressed these views while addressing as the Chief Guest at the International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Expo. The conference was attended by KP Secretary Agriculture Ataur Rahman, Senior Member Board of Revenue Javed Marwat, Vice Chancellor Agriculture University Peshawar Jehan Bakht, Vice Chancellor Agriculture University Swat Dawood Jan, all DGs of the Agriculture Department, Pakistan Media Development Foundation (PMDF) Chairperson Durdana Shahab, farmers from across the province, and stakeholders.
In his address, Provincial Minister for Agriculture acknowledged that the country faced instability over past decades, hindering effective agricultural measures. However, these decades also served as a period of collective learning.
Major (Retd) Sajjad Barkwal further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is being developed as a Center of Excellence for agricultural advancement. Essential legislation is underway, and two modern Centers of Excellence are being established in Peshawar and Swat to engage the private sector.
Academically-backed research initiatives worthy of national appreciation are being implemented across the province. Agriculture related departments and personnel are a source of pride, demonstrating exceptional performance despite limited resources.
He revealed that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur who himself is an agricultural expert—is spearheading 18 new agricultural projects in the province. Forty percent of the budget is allocated to cultivate the lands of southern districts. Similarly, microfinance loan schemes for small farmers are also operational.
Major Sajjad Barkwal identified climate change as a major challenge for agriculture, stressing the urgent need for advanced seed varieties, new research, and awareness among agricultural stakeholders. He emphasized that integrated and sustainable policy measures are indispensable to combat climatic impacts.
Commending the role of the Pakistan Media Development Foundation, he expressed hope that the institution will continue playing a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policy, research, and public awareness. He noted that collaboration among donors, media, and the private sector could prove transformative for sustainable agriculture.
Panel discussions were held during the conference addressing farmers’ challenges. Additionally, stalls set up by various public and private organizations at the expo garnered keen interest from participants.
This International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture is being hailed as Pakistan’s second major step toward sustainable farming. It was organized by the Pakistan Media Development Foundation with support from the KP Agriculture Department.
Special gratitude was extended to key contributors including Agri Fertilizers, GF, Syngenta, Bayer, National Bank of Pakistan, Bank of Khyber, Fatima Fertilizers, GPI Foundation, and notable sponsors for their support in successfully executing this global event.
