May 17, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 29, 1428

BALAKOT, May 16: The earthquake of 2005 inflicted great loss on human life and destroyed the livelihoods of many rural communities in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

The direct damages and indirect losses to the farming system is estimated to be Rs24.5 billion. However, through efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and some livestock organisations, the ruined areas have been put on the path to restore this sector.

Keeping livestock is the main source of livelihood for the poor people living in Balakot and adjoining areas. But this sector was also destroyed by the earthquake.

To mark the revival of livestock, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), World Vision, and Dosti Development Foundation organised a festival in Balakot city on Tuesday in which they described their achievements. In the aftermath of the earthquake, FAO and other organisations supported local farmers of Allai and Balakot tehsil by helping them to construct 4,000 animal shelters.

A number of farmers have replicated the model which indicates the suitability and sustainability of their shelters. Most of these people who received shelter assistance were female- headed households.

According to the implementing partner assessments, farmers show a 13 per cent increase in milk production from the usage of FAO provided animal feed (compound + urea molasses blocks).

Addressing the people gathered on the occasion, Raymond Rohner, the SDC livelihood adviser, said livestock was the main source of livelihood for the people of Balakot.

But the earthquake destroyed this sector. He said efforts had been made to enable people raise animals but full restoration of this sector would take years.

He, however, encouraged people not to lose hearts, adding that the deadly tremors had also brought opportunities for them. He asked the people to take benefit from the numerous organisations working in the livestock sector in their region which would enable them to raise better stocks.

Dr Faizul Bari, the field coordinator for the FAO’s earthquake programme, said, “The impact of the disaster was enormous and it is satisfying to see smiles returning on the faces of farmers in Mansehra region. We are emphasising the productivity of the cattle, not its breeding as for now”. “The quality matters, not quantity,” he said

He said the ecology of the area was fragile and it could not afford too much livestock. He said first the infrastructure and agriculture and forestation of the area needed to be restored and then more and more cattle could be kept.