SWABI: The role of village blacksmith is still intact in this era of science and technology in the farming areas of Swabi as farmers visit him for sharpening and maintenance of their agricultural tools and equipment such as hoe, sickle, axe and spade.

A visit to different farming areas revealed that the role of blacksmith was critical in farming and his weekly visit was aimed at facilitating farmers to earn his livelihood.

Khalid Khan, district president of Kisan Board, said that the old practice of blacksmith was still intact in various regions of Swabi district because the local farmers gave importance to his work.

“The weekly visit of Lohar (blacksmith) to our village Pirtab and various other areas is an ancient practice, but it is still intact because majority of people here earn their livelihood in farming sector,” said Baswar Ali, a resident of the area.

The farmers said that blacksmith helped them because they usually did not have enough time to visit the city for sharpening of their agricultural tools.

Gohar Ali, a landlord of Gohati region, said that agricultural equipment and instruments helped the farmers in the fieldwork and it was the blacksmith who made all such instruments and kept them in working condition for cultivation and harvest of crops.

Radi Gul, a blacksmith, said that it might be difficult for their coming generation to work in villages and facilitate the farmers because of growing needs of the farming community.

The local blacksmiths said that every farmer in the area gave 25kg of wheat to them for six months which fulfilled their food needs.

FOUR KILLED: Four people were killed in three separate incidents in the district on Thursday.

In Baja village, two families clashed over some trivial issue. As a result, Wisal Khan was seriously injured.

He was referred by local doctors to the DHQ hospital, Mardan, but succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital.

Earlier, injured Wisal registered an FIR against Mohammad Ashiq in the city police station. Police said that they had arrested the suspect.

In Yar Hussain village, one Naeemullah Jan was killed when two groups clashed over some issue.

Fazalullah, brother of the deceased, registered an FIR against Habibullah in Yar Hussain police station.

In Kalu Khan area, a dumper truck hit a motorcycle, leaving two bike riders seriously injured.

They were taken to Kalu Khan civil hospital where doctors pronounced them dead.

The police have registered an FIR against the truck driver.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2018