SWABI: Kashtkar Coordination Council (KCC) members on Sunday advised the farmers to use the recommended wheat seed for cultivation.

Speaking at a meeting here, they said that as wheat was widely cultivated by farmers in both the arid and irrigated lands, they should take all steps necessary for getting a bumper yield.

Liaqat Yousafzai, central general secretary of KCC, asked the farmers to remain in contact with agriculture department officials and follow their instructions in selection of wheat seed for better yields.

“The selection of seed is very critical. The growers should avoid using their own seed. And if they want to have their own seed then they should consult the agriculture department officials for knowing their efficacy,” he said.

Mr Yousafzai advised the growers to use fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides in time and in consultation with the agricultural experts.

The participants also urged the agriculture department officials to hold meetings with farmers before the wheat cultivation, which is going to start in the region.

Meanwhile, members of Anbar (Motorway Interchange) Hotel Owners’ Association have said that current economic downturn and high inflation in the country have adversely affected their business.

Addressing a news conference at the Swabi Press Club on Sunday, the association’s president Irshad Khan and general secretary Mir Bahadar said that they were finding it difficult to continue their businesses in the current difficult economic situation.

Mr Irshad said that about 80 per cent of their customers came from Punjab and Islamabad as they offered quality food at affordable prices.

“The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa are known for their hospitality,” he said, adding that they hoped that the country’s economic situation would improve, leading to turn around in their financial position.

Mir Bahadar said that record inflation and price hike had eroded the people’s purchasing power.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024