LAKKI MARWAT: Deputy commissioner Iqbal Hussain has asked the directorate general of soil and water conservation to promote modern rainwater harvesting techniques in the district to boost agriculture and livestock sectors.

He was speaking during a meeting here on Tuesday, where district director (agriculture) Abdul Qayyum Khan, district soil conservation officer Nazir Ahmad, PHED executive engineer Fazal Ahmad and officials of the livestock, water management and irrigation departments were in attendance.

Mr Nazir said the execution of small dams and other water harvesting projects by his department would help store rainwater for use in future.

Say uplift of agriculture, livestock sectors to improve living standard

Mr Fazal highlighted water schemes, availability of maintenance and repair funds, and underground water in different parts of the district.

Mr Qayyum briefed participants about the initiatives meant to promote the agriculture sector and increase the capacity of local farmers.

The deputy commissioner said water was the main source of livelihood in the southern district, so its every drop should be saved for agricultural and livestock sectors.

He said the development of the two sectors would improve living standard.

Mr Hussain said an effective strategy should be made before the start of the monsoon season to store rainwater and launch water harvesting activities.

“After the provision of technical support, the people, especially farmers, can be motivated to use both modern and traditional methods to gather rainwater in fields during the upcoming monsoon season,” he said.

DC Iqbal said the availability of sufficient water would help boost agriculture and allied sectors.

He asked the soil conservation officials to consult the agricultural and livestock experts and other stakeholders before launching the rainwater harvesting projects.

TRANSFERS: Lakki Marwat district education officer Zahoor Khan on Tuesday transferred 27 teachers of different cadres under the government’s e-transfer policy.

According to an official, the e-transfer policy was introduced to facilitate the transfer of teachers to vacant school positions in a transparent way.

“Under this policy, teachers submit applications for transfer online instead of visiting the district education offices,” he said.

The official said the teachers transferred and posted under the new policy included primary school teachers, certified teachers, physical education teachers, drawing masters, secondary school teachers, theology teachers and Arabic teachers.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2021