MANSEHRA, Oct 23: The USAID has launched a “Livelihood” programme in Mansehra and Bagh districts at an estimated cost of $28 million to enhance the income of the earthquake-affected farmers.

In Mansehra the programme was supposed to be launched on Tuesday at a ceremony which was to be addressed by the US Ambassador, Anne W. Patterson. But due to the uncertain law and order situation, the US envoy could not attend the ceremony.

The event however did take place which was attended by

scientists from across the country who met the earthquake-affected farmers of Daryal in Shinkiari and visited some maize plots.

Scientists also inquired about the production and yields of various crops prior to and in the aftermath of the October 8, 2005 earthquake.

Farmers thanked the USAID and the I-Led for launching the programme for the farmers of the Siren valley and apprised

the delegates about their problems.

The director of the I-Led, Dr Mohammad Riaz, said that USAID had introduced 14 varieties of US maize to increase the yield of the crop in the earthquake-affected areas of Mansehra and Bagh. This would help improve the income of the affected families.

He said the maize seed, which was introduced here on a trial basis, would yield 10 times more than the local maize seed. “After having introduced maize seeds, the US will now introduce rare seeds of tomato, potato and other important crops in the affected areas.”

He said such programmes would also be organised in Battakundi (Narain) to enhance the livelihood of farmers of the Balakot tehsil.

He said that so far the programme had benefited about 8 per cent of the population of Mansehra and 10 per cent of Bagh. He added that the design for the construction of 1,775 shelters in the two districts had been completed and approved.