Muhammad Umar stresses agricultural development & research during Abbottabad visit

Adviser to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture, Mian Muhammad Umar, paid a one-day visit to Abbottabad on Friday, where he reviewed ongoing agricultural development initiatives and research activities aimed at strengthening the farming sector across the Hazara region

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Jun, 2026) Adviser to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture, Mian Muhammad Umar, paid a one-day visit to Abbottabad on Friday, where he reviewed ongoing agricultural development initiatives and research activities aimed at strengthening the farming sector across the Hazara region.

During the visit, the adviser visited the Agriculture Extension Department, Model Farm Services Centre, and Hazara Agriculture Research Station. Officials briefed him on the progress of agriculture-related projects and research programmes being implemented in Hazara Division.

District Director Agriculture Extension Altaf-ur-Rehman informed the adviser that olive cultivation has been introduced on 16 acres of land in Abbottabad, while vertical farming is being carried out on five acres. He added that eight walk-in tunnels have been established and saffron cultivation has been launched on a trial basis over four kanals.

Officials from the Agriculture Department in Haripur also informed the adviser that a 129-kanal fruit farm in the district is producing a variety of fruits, including oranges, lychees, peaches, apricots and harir (inknut).

Addressing the officials, Muhammad Umar directed the Agriculture Department to maintain close coordination with farmers and enhance awareness regarding modern farming techniques, agricultural technologies and mechanized cultivation. He reiterated the provincial government's commitment to expanding cultivable land and promoting sustainable agricultural growth, assuring that farmers would be provided with all possible facilities and support.

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The adviser also took notice of damage caused to orange and lychee orchards in Khanpur due to saline water discharged from an ice factory. He directed the district administration and other concerned authorities to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent further losses to growers.

During his visit to the Hazara Agriculture Research Station, Director Naseem Ahmad informed the adviser that the institution, which initially focused on potato research, has expanded its scope to include the development of climate-resilient crop varieties and research in multiple agricultural disciplines. He said the station produces and supplies thousands of kilograms of certified seed to farmers every year.

Officials further highlighted that the 45-year-old research station is actively engaged in horticulture, vegetable sciences, food technology, plant protection and crop breeding research. More than 300 fruit varieties have been conserved and developed through its germplasm units, while mushroom cultivation has also been introduced. Work is also underway to establish a sub-station of the research centre in Kaghan.

On the occasion, Mian Muhammad Umar inaugurated the Entomology Research Laboratory, which will focus on the study of beneficial and harmful insects affecting crops. The facility is expected to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and improved pest management, helping protect crops and enhance farm yields across the province.