CS-KP for fast-track of key interventions in agri sector

ICT-based pest surveillance for real-time crop monitoring and protection is scheduled for implementation before June 30, 2026
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the Agriculture Department’s roadmap interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer welfare in the province.
The meeting, attended by the Secretary Agriculture and other relevant officials, assessed ongoing initiatives, identifying tasks that are on track and those requiring urgent attention. The Chief Secretary issued directives for timely achievement of targets within set timelines.
Key initiatives under review included the conversion of wild olive trees to oil-bearing European varieties. A total of 150,000 olive trees are targeted in the Merged Districts, with 75,000 wild olives to be top-worked by September and the remaining by October. An additional 150,000 wild olive trees are to be grafted in other districts. Shahab Ali Shah stressed the importance of certification for olive exports and called for necessary measures in this regard.
The meeting also focused on the functionalization of Farm Services Centers, with an emphasis on establishing one-window operations, activating management committees, and utilizing available machinery to support farmers effectively.
ICT-based pest surveillance for real-time crop monitoring and protection is scheduled for implementation before June 30, 2026, marking a shift towards technology-driven agriculture.
Additional initiatives include the reclamation of 5,000 acres of culturable wasteland, GIS mapping of major crops (wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, and fruits), and the development of 500 protected structures for high-value vegetable farming. Plans also involve vertical vegetable farming on 600 kanals and converting 300 acres of wasteland into productive land through 47 model micro-watersheds in 23 districts.
The Chief Secretary directed close coordination with the Planning and Development Department to rationalize and fast-track departmental projects, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and farmer empowerment in KP.