PESHAWAR: A high-level and productive meeting took place between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) delegation, led by Dr. Khurshid Ex-Additional Federal Secretary Islamabad, and Gul Muhammad Battagrami, Provincial Director of Agriculture, IT, and Tourism Department at the KP-BOIT office in Peshawar.
The primary objective of the meeting was to establish mutual cooperation for the identification of suitable locations across various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Swat, Dir Upper & Lower, and Chitral, for tea cultivation and processing integrated with agri-tourism. The agenda also included the development of comprehensive feasibility studies and business plans targeting both local and foreign investors, as well as the collaboration with KP Government development partners.
The UNFAO team is scheduled to commence their assessments in Battagram district, marking a significant milestone for the local community and the district government. The inclusion of Battagram on the list of agri-tourism destinations is expected to boost its profile and bring newfound opportunities to the area.
It is worth highlighting that Pakistan having imported $622 million worth of tea in 2022, has recognized the need to reduce reliance on imports and stimulate local production. Unfortunately, only 20 tons of tea were produced domestically out of a total demand of 137,000 tons. With tea being an agricultural product deeply intertwined with social and cultural values, its production and consumption have immense potential for integration with tourism, thereby enhancing community livelihood sustainability. This vision forms a vital aspect of the proposed project.
Speaking to the media, Gul Muhammad Battagrami expressed his commitment to extending full support and cooperation on behalf of KP-BOIT to ensure the success of the tea project (Agri-Tourism). He emphasized the significance of the venture in contributing to the economic growth and overall development of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
Tea, being an agricultural commodity with strong social and cultural significance, holds immense potential for integration with the tourism sector. This integration aims to enhance community livelihood sustainability and forms an integral part of the project's vision. The exploration of feasible tea cultivation sites and the subsequent integration with agri-tourism endeavors underscore the collective efforts to harness the economic potential of the region, reduce imports, and foster sustainable development.
The collaboration between UNFAO and KP-BOIT marks a significant step toward harnessing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's agricultural potential and promoting sustainable tourism, ultimately creating new opportunities for economic growth and social progress in the region.
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