ISLAMABAD: The first agriculture and livestock technology expo organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO ) of the United Nations, concluded in Parachinar of Kurram district on Wednesday.

The expo was part of the activities for the USAID funded project, The Horticulture Advancement Activity (THAzA), besides sustainably increasing and improving agriculture production in the region.

The expo was also aimed at striving to increase the productivity, profitability, and improving market linkages of local farmers.

A large number of national input suppliers, service providers, and technology companies took part in the expo.

Supply-Side-Partners (SSP) demonstrated their products, tools and technologies and presented them to their Demand-Side-Partners, comprising farmers, producers and local suppliers.

Information leaflets containing technical innovations were distributed on the occasion.

Deputy Chief of party for the THAzA project, Dr Ihsan stated that agriculture technologies coupled with the hard work of farmers would result in increase of agriculture production in Kurram.

Attended by more than 700 participants, the agri expo highlighted the potential of the agriculture sector’s key players to the local community, by providing a platform to both the supply and demand side participants.

Private agriculture companies, technological suppliers, farmers and government officials explored new technology best suited to local environment and crops at the event.

THAzA project beneficiaries during the expo observed the latest innovations and tools used in other parts of the country, and were looking forward to piloting their implementations in their own practices.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir commended FAO for organising an event of this scale for the first time in Kurram.

He urged the supply side companies to develop multiple dealerships in the district to promote fair competition, while assuring the district administrations support to FAO for such initiatives, as well as the local farming community, which was progressive and willing to adopt new technological practices.

FAO representative in Pakistan, Mina Dowlatchahi said that amazing participation of farmers showed that there was a need to connect them to markets and service providers, to develop farmers’ capacities, profitability, and provide more business opportunities to all in the agriculture sector, with careful consideration to climate resilient and sustainable practices. In future, women farmers and service providers will be targeted.”

FAO is implementing the five-year THAzA in Balochistan and tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which will impact and improve commercial horticultural value chains with a competitive advantage in these provinces.

THAzA focuses on increasing agri-production, improving product quality, reducing post harvests losses, processing and marketing. This project will create jobs and income opportunities for smallholder farmers in both provinces providing them access to diversified markets and services.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2019