SWAT: Farmers and fruit dealers here on Friday said Swat produced some of the best peach varieties, which could earn the country handsome foreign exchange if they were facilitated in exporting their fruit to the international market.

They were speaking to reporters during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peach Festival held at the Agriculture Research Institute, Swat. It was organised to help promote agri-tourism in the scenic valley.

The farmers said Swat was the major producer of peaches, where about 50 different varieties were grown, but about 10 were the most famous.

Salahuddin Khan, president of the central management committee of the farm services centre, agriculture extension department, was the chief guest.

Growers seek govt help to export their produce

Prominent among those in attendance were Dr Abdul Rauf, director general agricultural research, Fazal Wahab, director agriculture research, merged areas, Mohammad Sadiq, director extension, Lower Swat, and Dr Dawood Jan, Vice-Chancellor University of Agriculture, Swat.

Stalls of various varieties of peaches, plums, walnuts and pears produced at the Agriculture Research Institute, Swat, were put on

display. Farmers, dealers, and agriculture experts from different parts of the province visited the festival.

The farmers said Swat was a hub of fruit orchards, where peaches were a major fruit. “We have more than 50 varieties of peaches grown in Swat. About 10 varieties are not only popular in Pakistan but also in foreign countries. Unfortunately, there is no proper system to export our best quality fruit to international markets,” said Sharifullah Khan, president of farm services centre, agriculture extension department, Matta tehsil.

He said some farmers exported their produce through Pakistan International Airlines, but the fare was too high to be affordable for many farmers and dealers.

Javed Rahman, a researcher, said due to efforts of agriculture research institute, some special and high-quality peaches were developed. “Different varieties get ripened in different months. The first variety starts its produce in May and the last variety is ready in September. We are working on other varieties, which will last till November,” he said.

The experts said agri-tourism, or agricultural tourism, evolved rapidly in the world, which involves visiting farms or rural areas to experience agricultural life. They said it was popular worldwide, with diverse activities such as farm stays, crop picking, wine tasting, and educational tours.

Dr Dawood Jan said agri-tourism was on the rise internationally.

“Swat has a huge potential for agri-tourism because it is not only scenically beautiful but rich in agricultural activities.

Agri-tourism promotes sustainable tourism, supports local economies, and provides urbanites a chance to connect with nature and learn about farming practices. The government should promote agri-tourism in Swat,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2024