Staff Reporter
The Government of Japan in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization handed over locust control items to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a ceremony under the Grant in Aid project.
The handing over ceremony was attended by Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan and Mohibullah Khan, Minister for Agriculture Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
At the handing over, Ambassador Matsuda stated we are providing additional material to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because we believe that initial response is essential for locust control in the near future.
I hope people in this region will continue stable farming and our cooperation will contribute to their prosperity”.
Ms. Florence Marie Rolle, FAO Representative stated that the support from the people of Japan was instrumental in the restoration of livelihoods in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mr. Furuta Shigeki while speaking at the ceremony said that the two phases of projects, funded by Government of Japan ensured food security through sustainable agriculture development that resumed agriculture-based livelihoods of the people who returned after internal displacement.
He hoped that the JICA support would make a significant contribution for strengthening capacity of Agriculture Extension Department in combating future locust attack in the targeted areas to minimize crops damages of poor farm families.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Agriculture, Mohibullah Khan expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government of KP.
He thanked the Government of Japan and JICA for their extended support through the FAO implemented project for the restoration of livelihoods in the Merged Districts of KP.
He further said that this support came at a very critical juncture and much needed time, which had not only revitalized livelihoods of the local people but ensured their food security as well.
