In a significant step towards transforming agriculture and curbing illicit drug-related activities, four agriculture training centers (ATCs) have been established in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Funded by the US Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and implemented by the UNDP Pakistan Rule of Law Programme in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Unit of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Planning and Development Department, these centers aim to empower local farmers in the merged districts.
The districts of Bajaur, Khyber, Mohmand, and Torghar, which have been historically associated with poppy cultivation and drug-related crimes, will benefit from these newly inaugurated ATCs. The primary objective is to shift the focus from illicit crops to alternative, legal cultivation, thereby creating opportunities for income diversification and reducing the prevalence of narcotics-related activities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Farmers in the region will receive comprehensive training through skill-building sessions at the ATCs. The training curriculum will cover crucial aspects of agriculture, including timely land preparation, planting techniques, weeding practices, efficient irrigation methods, harvesting procedures, storage solutions, and effective marketing strategies.
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to address the longstanding challenges faced by farmers in tribal districts and promote sustainable agricultural practices. It is expected that these ATCs will not only contribute to the economic development of the region but also play a pivotal role in improving the overall security situation by reducing illicit drug trade and related crimes.
Local authorities, as well as the international community, are optimistic that these training centers will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the region, offering a brighter and more secure future for the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
