Ground Report

CHITRAL:  Residents of Sheshi koh valley thanked some Non government organizations (NGO) for motivating local people and increasing rate of pine nut in the valley. Talking to this scribe they said that Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), Inter Cooperation (IC) Livelihood Program North, young star Development Organization (YSDO) and Chitral Innovative development organization (CIDO) working in Sheshi valley since 2005 for harvesting and processing of pine nut who trained local peasants and farmers regarding harvesting and processing of pine nut which are sowing in a huge number in the forest of the valley. Rate of pine nut per bag consisting of 500 cones of pine nut were 400 to 800 rupees before their arrival in the valley but they linkages farmers and peasants with national market for enhancing rate of this dry fruit and its price raised from 800 to 2000 per bag. Hence in recent days some middlemen were trying to decrease its rate who also done advance payment to local farmers and had fixed rate per bag rupees 1000. But representative of these NGOs timely intervene and motivated local farmers to not sell their product to middle men and it rate of pine nut per bag was increased once again to 2000. In a local Mosque meeting comprising over elites of the area was held who specially thanked Khalid Hussain Project coordinator, Shabir Ahmad team leader and Fayaz Ahmad Processing coordinator whose efforts enabled local people to increase rates of pine nut which is main source of income and livelihood for local people. They also thanked them for raising awareness among the people regarding processing and marketing of pine nut in big market instead of local. They also called upon local traders and middle men and convinced them for raising the rate of pine nut. Asfandiar Khan Chairman YSDO plaid vital role in benefiting local farmers by calling heads of these civil societies and increasing rate of pine nut.