Forest deptt, FAO, local community start fruits' plantation in Chitral.

PESHAWAR -- District Forest Department in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization of UN Friday launched fruit trees plantation in district Chiral while engaging the local communities.

An event to this effect was organized in Community Based School Birir, Kailash Barir Valley of district Chitral where 2,000 fruit plants were distributed among the local people free of charge for plantation in their respective areas and on deserted lands with a view to generate livelihood and reduce the burden on forests.

The local Muslim and Kailash tribe participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion Provincial Coordinator, FAO Chalgoza Project Ejaz Ahmed explained the technical method of planting and caring the plants.

He said FAO arranged energy efficient stoves for those who consume alternative energy instead of wood, adding that it stays warm for a long time. The organization has also announced reward for those local communities who plant and protect orchards farms in their areas.

SDFO, Forest Department Umair Nawaz said the people of Chitral mostly use rely on forest wood for cooking and other purposes, adding that if they get fruit from these plants they can earn livelihood for themselves and their families besides...