MANSEHRA, Aug 25: Agriculture experts have expressed concern over decline in the underground water level in the earthquake-affected district of Mansehra and called for building water channels to save agriculture products in the area.

They suggested that the government should use Kunhar and Siren rivers as alternative sources of water and build channels for drinking and agriculture needs.

They were speaking at a workshop on “How to enhance the income of the earthquake-affected farmers” organised by the Saiban Development Organisation in collaboration with the Oxfam and district agriculture department on Saturday. Farmers of the quake-hit areas of Konnsh and Siren valleys attended the workshop.

Speaking at the concluding session of the six-day training workshop, Saiban Development Organisation executive director Sahibzada Jawad Ahmad, executive district officer agriculture Akhtar Zab and executive district officer livestock Riaz Ahmad Shah said that due to fall in the underground water level in Mansehra, the growth of crops had been affected.

They said that if an alternative source of water was not found soon the situation would aggravate further, adding that at present only 20 per cent water was being used in the district and 80 per cent was wasted.

They said that government should use the water of Kunhar and Siren rivers not only for agriculture but also for drinking purposes.

They said that Mansehra produced the best quality tobacco, potato and other crops, but after the Oct 2005 earthquake the production had deceased drastically. They urged the government to build small dams on Siren and Kunhar rivers.

They said that the livestock production had also been affected.

They said the farmers who participated in the workshop would train others at the union level to enhance agriculture products and income. Certificated and pesticide machines were distributed among the participants.