Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's flagship Food Security Support Project (KP-FSSP) has achieved a significant milestone by registering over 923,000 farmers and establishing the province's largest digital farmer database. This was disclosed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Adviser to the Chief Minister on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar on Thursday.
Project Overview and Progress
The meeting reviewed progress under the US$88 million project, ongoing development activities, and future targets aimed at strengthening food security, enhancing climate resilience, and modernizing the agricultural sector. Secretary Agriculture Dr Bakhtiar Khan, Project Director KP-FSSP Fazal Qadir, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Key Achievements
Officials briefed the adviser on achievements under various project components, including measures to rehabilitate farmers in seven flood-affected districts, strengthen agricultural institutions, and promote modern farming practices across the province. The project has introduced an electronic subsidy system and a branchless banking model to improve transparency and facilitate direct support to farmers. An effective grievance redress mechanism has also been established to ensure prompt resolution of complaints.
Digitization and Field Operations
Crop Reporting Services (CRS) have been digitized, and field operations strengthened through the provision of 500 motorcycles, six tractors, and six mini-trucks. Several agricultural offices and laboratories have been rehabilitated and solarized under the program.
Support for Farmers
Around 450,000 farmers are receiving support through the provision of wheat seed, rice seed, and fertilizers. Assistance is also being extended to 42,000 vegetable growers, while 28,000 women are benefiting from kitchen gardening and food-processing initiatives. Additionally, 25,000 women have been provided with seed-cleaning equipment and safe agricultural-use kits.
Government Commitment
Speaking on the occasion, Mian Muhammad Umar said the provincial government is utilizing all available resources to promote agricultural development, strengthen food security, and address challenges posed by climate change. He expressed confidence that timely project completion would enhance agricultural productivity, encourage adoption of modern technologies, improve farmers' livelihoods, and further strengthen the province's agricultural sector.
Appreciating the progress achieved so far, the adviser directed relevant authorities to complete all ongoing activities within the stipulated timeframe to ensure maximum benefits reach the farming community.
