The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is set to launch its first Mountain Agriculture Policy to improve food security and livelihoods in the province’s hilly and remote regions. With over 60% of KP covered in mountains, where most residents rely on basic, subsistence farming, the new policy aims to shift them toward more profitable and sustainable agriculture.
It encourages growing high-value crops like apples, cherries, nuts, saffron, and off-season vegetables, while also tackling climate challenges, water shortages, and soil erosion. The plan also looks to reduce massive post-harvest losses, which waste up to 40% of produce and cost the province billions every year.
To oversee the effort, a Mountain Agriculture Board will be formed, and research will be supported through the Agriculture University in Swat. The policy is awaiting final approval from the chief minister before it’s sent to the cabinet for implementation.
