Agriculture and Livestock are the
main sources of subsistence of the rural
population. Both these sectors are afflicted
with serious problems. Increasing degradation of
land and water resources and farmer’s poor
access to other key inputs and services are
resulting in actual productivity levels much
below the achievable potential level in
agriculture while livestock is also suffering
from low output. Poor veterinary services impede
the realization of actual potential of this
sector. Any poverty reduction effort without
addressing these issues is not likely to
succeed. Following initiatives have been
launched to improve the income level of poor
farmers from agriculture and livestock:
1.
Establishment of NRM sector and
hiring of a highly experienced and
qualified consultant. The consultant will
initially work in one UC each in Sukkur, Ghotki
and Shikarpur districts. He will focus on the
activities of proper land preparation and sowing
practices, selection of quality seed, proper
selection and use of pesticides and fertilizer,
better water management, harvesting and
marketing. Crop diversification and reclamation
of degraded saline lands will also be important
part of his assignments. His schedule of
activities is attached herewith to give an idea
about nature of future activities in this
sector.
2.
Dates Processing Plant.
Negotiations have been made with SMEDA to co
finance the cost of three dates processing
plants- two in Khairpur and one in Sukkur – on
the pattern of Turbat plant established by NRSP.
They have agreed in principle. Proposal has been
put up to RSPN to allocate funds for SRSO share
in the project.
3. Model
Resource Center.
Agreement has been signed with WWF to establish
Model Resource Center at Ghotki in collaboration
with SMEDA. The center will provide modern
technological assistance in the form of
equipment and training to the area farmers.
·
LIVESTOCK:
1. Prime
Minister’s Special Initiative on Livestock:
In pursuance to PM’s initiative
on livestock, the team of DLO and DVMs has been
selected and presently undergoing training on
social mobilization concept. DG in the concerned
districts has been briefed about the salient
features of the project. An introductory meeting
with Secretary Livestock, GOS has also been
held.
2.
Linkage with PPAF & Engro Food
Limited.
A tripartite meeting was held with PPAF and EFL
basically to increase the milk production and
marketing to EFL. The package will include
facilitating/training local farmer in selection
of better breed and improved feed & fodder. It
will also include specially designed micro
credit package with PPAF assistance.
|
Sl. # |
Description |
Area |
Duration |
|
1. |
Collection of Data |
From 3 Districts (Sukkur,
Ghotki & Kashmore) |
15 days |
|
2. |
Evaluation and analysis of
Data |
3 Districts |
10 days |
|
3. |
Meetings with farmers to
identify constraints |
3 Districts |
15 days |
|
4. |
NRM needs of communities
identified |
One Selected UC and 5
villages |
10 days |
|
5. |
Training of COs in selected
villages |
One selected UC and 5
villages |
15 days |
|
6. |
Demonstration/implementation of best
management practices – good seed |
5 selected villages |
15 days in March-April |
|
7. |
Demonstrations in cotton
and paddy |
Selected villages |
15 days in April-May |
|
8. |
Soil improvement
demonstrations |
5 sites in Kashmore
District |
May |
|
9. |
Training Programme |
Need based |
|
|
10. |
Monitoring of
implementation/demonstrations |
As and when required |
February - June |
|
11. |
Developing linkages with
Line Departments and Agencies |
As and when required |
February - June |
|
12. |
Guidance and advice to
farmers |
5 selected villages |
February - June |
|
13. |
Submission of report |
|
June |
