KP launches Rs50 billion rural economic transformation project

Islamabad: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has begun rapid implementation of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Economic Transformation Project, an initiative aimed at reviving the rural economy and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the province.

The project carries an allocation of Rs50 billion and is expected to benefit 850,000 people, including thousands of farmers in Hazara Division and several rural localities of Balakot. The programme is designed to modernise the agriculture and livestock sectors while raising incomes for smallholder farmers.

Under the initiative, the provincial government, private firms and farmer organisations will work together to supply growers with quality seeds, fertilisers and modern farm machinery. The project also includes a major focus on livestock, with support for modern feed, including silage, and animal health services intended to increase milk and meat output.

Recent work under the programme has connected nearly 2,000 small farmers directly with markets, including women and young people. This step is intended to improve market access for groups that are often left out of conventional supply chains.

In collaboration with KP-TEVTA, graduates are also being offered start-up capital and employment opportunities to help them establish their own businesses. The initiative links skills development with financial support as part of the broader rural uplift effort.

Securing fair returns for agricultural produce has remained a major issue for farmers. The KP-RETP seeks to address this by connecting growers with major markets and private companies so they can receive better prices for their produce.

Regional support structure established

To supervise implementation and provide guidance to farmers, Regional Coordination Units have been set up in Peshawar, Mansehra, Chitral, Swat and D.I. Khan. These units are intended to offer local-level support and help ensure the project is carried out effectively in different parts of the province.

The project is being presented as a large-scale intervention focused on rural development, with agriculture, livestock, market access and youth support forming its main components. The initiative is expected to play a role in strengthening rural livelihoods through coordinated support from the government, private sector and farmer bodies.