SWABI: Growers’ leaders on Friday demanded of the government to put the country’s agriculture sector on modern lines amid climate change to enhance its productivity.

They were speaking at a meeting held here.

On the occasion, Liaqat Yousafzai, central general secretary of Kashtkar Coordination Council, said modernisation of agriculture sector was extremely vital for enhanced productivity, enabling Pakistan to become self-sufficient in grain production.

He said continued dry spell had affected standing crops in Swabi district, and farmers would suffer huge financial losses.

The other speakers demanded that the government should devise a strategy under which modern technology was introduced in agriculture sector.

TRANSFORMER BURNT: A 50kv electricity transformer was burnt on Friday due to overload in Naro Kali Naiknamhkel area, plunging it in darkness.

Rehman Sher, a resident, told Dawn that a month ago the same transformer had developed a fault due to overload.

The consumers demanded of Peshawar Electric Supply Company to replace the transformer before Eidul Azha.

Meanwhile, consumers in various regions of the district faced blackout on Thursday night.

When contacted, a Pesco official told Dawn filed staff had started work to remove fault and restore power supply to the affected areas.

CHILD PROTECTION: A welfare body of Maneri Payan area formed a child protection committee on Friday to work for welfare of children.

On the occasion, Jalil Ahmad Khan, a member of the committee, said efforts would be made to ensure every child went to school.

“We need support of parents and society in this regard,” he said.

Meanwhile, a fruit vendor, identified as Salman Khan, was killed when a speedy rickshaw struck while crossing the Swabi-Jehangira Road on Friday, the police said.

The police registered an FIR against the rickshaw driver, who has fled the scene.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2024