D.I.KHAN
In response to the last year unprecedented flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ‘s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (ERDA) has made remarkable contributions for revitalizing agriculture in the flood-affected districts of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Peshawar.
In 2022, devastating floods wrought havoc upon KP, leaving a profound impact on the region and a total of 17 percent of cultivable land in the province was severely damaged.
As per details, in Dera Ismail Khan, three out of seven seed farms, responsible for 10pc of the province’s annual seed production, faced dire circumstances, posing a significant threat to seed availability and the livelihoods of 300 farmers.
In response to this crisis, USAID-ERDA took swift action, mobilizing resources and expertise to restore agricultural infrastructure and provide essential support to the affected farmers.
USAID-ERDA successfully rehabilitated 488 acres of land and repaired nine flood-damaged watercourses with total length of 3.3 Km in government seed farms in Dera Ismail Khan.
These initiatives enhanced irrigation efficiency and productivity of land, Additionally, USAID-ERDA, rehabilitated 18 flood-damaged soil and water conservation structures in various villages of district Dera Ismail Khan to protect land from sliding and erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge and storage of rainwater for irrigation in a water scarce area.
The impact is already evident, with paddy cultivated and harvested on 33 acres and wheat seed cultivation underway on the remaining 345 acres.
This intervention will not only restore agriculture but also enhance the livelihoods of farmers, providing hope for those who have endured adversity.
USAID-ERDA is also engaged in rehabilitation of 158 flood-damaged watercourses, a significant initiative that is expected to be completed by June 2024.
This rehabilitation is vital for ensuring proper water management in the affected areas, which is essential for agriculture and the local ecosystem.
To celebrate these significant achievements and officially hand over the completed schemes to the Agriculture Extension Department and District Office Soil Conservation Department, Dera Ismail Khan, a special ceremony was held.
Zafar-ul -Islam, Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Division, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “USAID-ERDA’s interventions have played a key role in revitalizing the flood-affected agriculture sector.
Dr. Shakeel Kakakhel, Deputy Chief of Party USAID-ERDA, commended the dedication and hard work of all involved, saying, “This intervention demonstrates the resilience and determination of the people of KP.
Najeeb Ullah Shah, a local farmer who has benefited from USAID-ERDA’s intervention, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This support has given us hope and the opportunity to rebuild our lives as our fields are flourishing once again, and we are optimistic about the future.”
The initiative has rehabilitated 488 acres of land, repaired nine flood-damaged watercourses, and reconstructed 18 soil and water conservation structures.
USAID-ERDA’s intervention has not only restored agriculture but also improved the income and livelihoods of local farmers, showcasing the resilience of the KP community.
