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PESHAWAR, Dec 24 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday hold Governor Kisan Award for the first time in the history of Governor House Peshawar to honor the services of farmers across the province.
Governor Kundi awarded Governor Kisan Awards to 150 hardworking and distinguished farmers from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recognition of their contributions to agriculture and rural development.
Through a lucky draw, the Governor also presented Umrah tickets to two farmers, Ghafoor Damani and Zohaib Khan, while sports sponsorship cheques were awarded to two athletes, Abdullah Nawaz and Mahwish Ali, as a gesture to promote sports alongside agriculture.
Addressing the gathering, farmers and growers expressed gratitude to the Governor for acknowledging their efforts for the first time at the provincial level and termed the initiative a historic step towards empowering the farming community.
Various speakers highlighted issues related to agriculture, protection of agricultural produce, and the need to bring barren land under cultivation to ensure food security and economic growth in the province.
The ceremony was attended by Members of the Provincial Assembly including Kiramatullah Khan Chaghramatti, Arbab Zarak, Shazia Jadun, Faiza Malik, Arifa Bibi, Aiman Jalil, Behari Lal, Ashbar Jadun, Mehr Sultana, Shazia Tahmas, and Farzana Shireen, former provincial minister Sardar Abdul Haleem Qasuria, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junaid Altaf, professors from Agriculture University including Dr. Amanullah and Dr. Muhammad Sajid, PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent KP Farzand Wazir, representatives of sponsoring organizations, and a large number of farmers from across the province.
Congratulating the award recipients, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the Governor Kisan Award aims to make farmers self-reliant and transform agriculture into a profitable sector. He emphasized that farmers and landowners are the backbone of the provincial and national economy, adding that “if agriculture thrives, the country’s economy will also prosper.”
The Governor regretted that despite the 1991 water share agreement, no major projects have yet been initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that bringing land under cultivation and ensuring farmers’ prosperity would also help curb terrorism.
He stressed the need for federal and provincial governments to provide subsidies to both small and large farmers, adding that he would forward his recommendations to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Governor Kundi reiterated that Pakistan is an agricultural country and that agriculture plays a pivotal role in the national economy.
He underscored the vast potential for agricultural development in the province, particularly by making millions of acres of barren land cultivable through adequate water supply, modern irrigation systems, and government support, especially in southern districts.
At the conclusion of his address, the Governor thanked all partner institutions and stakeholders for their support in making the Governor Kisan Award a success.