PESHAWAR: The USAID’s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (USAID-ERDA) officially handed over nine completed agriculture infrastructure projects to the farming communities in Northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from USAID-ERDA, the local government, and community members, held at the District Mohmand.
These interventions, which include irrigation systems covering 200 acres of previously barren land in Tehsil Ambar and Safi of Mohmand District, are expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity in the region.
Moreover, USAID-ERDA provided vegetable and maize seeds to the farming communities, further supporting the program’s objective of improving agricultural output.
Speaking on the occasion, Shakil Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner of District Mohmand, expressed gratitude for the continuous support of USAID-ERDA in community development. He said that the infrastructure projects would have a lasting positive impact on the lives of farmers in Mohmand District, considering them as a game-changer for the community.
Ahmad highlighted that the improved watercourses and storage tanks would enable more efficient land cultivation and increased yields.
Malik Sahib Khan, a farmer from Tehsil Ambar, District Mohmand, also expressed gratitude towards USAID-ERDA for their assistance.
Engr. Behram Jan, Water Management Specialist at USAID-ERDA, reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaborating with local communities to enhance livelihoods and build resilience. He expressed confidence that these projects would empower the farmers of Mohmand District and contribute to the long-term development of the region.
The majority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s population, particularly those in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), rely on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. However, these sectors face challenges such as inadequate water supply, inefficient water management, and poor resource utilization.
In response to these challenges, USAID-ERDA has been actively engaged in Mohmand, Khyber, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Orakzai, and Dera Ismail Khan Districts to improve water management infrastructure and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The handover ceremony marks a significant milestone in these efforts, laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for the farming communities of the region.
