PESHAWAR: Regional Director International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Reehana Raza called on Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in Islamabad and discussed with him matters related to execution of Rural Economic Transformation Project in the province.
It was decided in the meeting to immediately finalize all the prerequisites for initiating practical work on the project. Both the sides also agreed to have a joint strategy to ensure physical progress on this important project as per the stipulated timelines, in addition to deciding that an effective mechanism would be put in place for coordination and close linkages between the concerned provincial departments and donor agency.
The concerned authorities on this occasion were directed to immediately complete the baseline survey regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Economic Transformation Project as well as to complete all the arrangements including deployment of necessary staff so that physical work on the project could be initiated without any delay.
The chief minister has directed the concerned administrative secretaries to hold fortnightly meetings in order to review progress on the projects, adding that Rural Economic Transformation Project is of vital importance for providing livelihood opportunities to the people.
The provincial government would extend all out support at its part including provision of funds so as to ensure that the project is implemented within the stipulated timeframe, said the Chief Minister.
He maintained that the developing agriculture sector on modern lines is the priority area of his government; and significant investment is being made for this purpose. He said that agriculture sector has a lot of potential and can go a long way in providing livelihoods to the needy people of this province; incumbent provincial government is working under a comprehensive strategy to utilize this potential in a beneficent manner.
The chief minister further said that at current, the government is working on 49 different projects aimed at developing agriculture sector on fast track and sustainable basis.
Apart from this, Rs4.00 billion have been allocated in the new fiscal budget for providing soft loans to the people working in this sector, he said and added that work is also in progress on other important projects including CRBC, Gomal Zam Dam and Tank Zam Dam projects, which on completion would provide all time solution to the issues of food security in the province.
Similarly, he said that a number of suitable sites have been identified for the construction of check dams, thereby preserving the natural water resources as well as providing employment opportunities to the people.
