PESHAWAR, Oct 19: The NWFP Agriculture University has launched a number of research and development schemes and training programmes in agriculture and livestock sectors in the NWFP and Fata.

Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor Dr Said Khan Khalil said this while briefing NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai on these projects here on Friday.

The projects include the USDA Endowment Fund for Agriculture Research and Development (USDA-EFARD) in Fata and the NWFP, establishment of Agriculture University Peshawar Students Endowment Fund (AUSEF), Agriculture University Peshawar and USAID joint venture for the development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Fata and adjoining areas, Agriculture University Peshawar and FAO Joint Venture for the development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Fata and a training programme in agriculture and livestock for Fata.

The progress so far made in these projects was also reviewed.

Under the AUSEF, the university will generate Rs20-million fund to award scholarships to 100 deserving and needy students hailing from the deprived segment of society.

Similarly, the university will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the USDA to establish an endowment fund for agriculture research and development in Fata and the NWFP for which the government has already allocated 30 per cent of Rs363.584 million procured through the endowment fund agreement with the US. About 40 per cent of the endowment fund will be utilised each in Fata and the NWFP while the remaining 20 per cent will be for training and operational cost.

The governor was informed that the AUP had been included as partner organisation by the FAO in the livelihood rehabilitation project in Fata. Under the project, the university has been mandated to strengthen its extension education and communication department, besides conducting a series of research-oriented studies in the relevant field.

The governor was told that the AUP had planned a series of training programme for livestock farmers and technical staff of Fata. Under the plan, 235 farmers and veterinary official will be given training in different livestock areas. The university is also giving final touches to a joint venture with the USAID for the development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Fata.

Mr Aurakzai appreciated the Agriculture University Peshawar for its efforts in the development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Fata and said that both the sectors had vast potentials which could lead to substantial socio-economic development of the people of Fata.