Staff Reporter
Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has directed to work out the modalities for establishment of Agricultural University in Swat on priority basis adding that the establishment of Agricultural University in Swat will help in promotion of High Value Mountain Agriculture through innovation in the existing agriculture system.
While chairing a meeting regarding the establishment of Agricultural University in Swat, the Chief Minister stated that the basic objective of the University is to provide access to quality agriculture education at the doorsteps of farming community by establishing academia and allied facilities in the area. Additionally, conversion from sustenance agriculture towards high value commercial orientation will also ensure better economic returns.
The meeting was also attended by Minister Agriculture Mohibullah Khan, Minister Environment Ishtiaq Urmar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah and other officers. The Chief Minister was informed regarding the proposed departments of the University which include Horticulture Sciences, Soil & Environment Sciences, Plant Protection, Food Sciences, Agronomy, Livestock & Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Medical Plants, Agribusiness, Forestry and Technical Diploma Programme.
The Chief Minister stated that in lieu of the National Agriculture Emergency Plan, the establishment of Agriculture University is important. The Chief Minister was informed that the Agricultural University will use the Takhta Band Research Centre for the coming three years or till completion of its separate building whereas the Outreach Directorate of Agriculture Research will be used as a bridge between the Academia and Agriculture Extension on the structure of TIPAN Project under the supervision/chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture.
The Chief Minister directed that a technical team headed by Secretary Agriculture should evaluate the existing facilities and resources needed for initiating classes in the university in addition to working out all modalities for acquisition of land and preparation of PC1 as per the requirements of the University. The Chief Minister further directed to ensure work progress on establishment of Engineering University in Swat adding that progress report should be shared with the Chief Ministers office after every 15 days. Additionally, the Chief Minister also directed to work out modalities for acquisition of land in addition to preparing the PC2 for the Engineering University within the next 2 weeks.
