The worst-ever flood of 2010 played havoc with the natural beauty of Swat; it also dealt a sharp blow to the earnings of the local inhabitants. As a rough estimate it did away with the earnings of 700,000 farmers in the Swat valley and more than 200,000 in upper Dir.
Those destroyed financially included the bee farmers, and medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs collectors. The flood of 2010, not only swept away the equipment of those dealing with herbs but also some valuable botanical generations were severely affected. USAID, under its entrepreneur project, distributed the essential basic equipment among 10,000 flood victims belonging to 12 union councils.
They were taught modern ways to restore their means of earning and to earn maximum produce from limited input, at the same time ensuring that they could begin their lives afresh. More emphasis was laid on rehabilitation of women which resulted in the fact that 70 percent of those benefiting were womenfolk. USAID, in its first phase took up 10 union councils and distributed among 3,000 farmers honey boxes and essential equipment. Besides they were also taught better methods so as to produce more and better honey.
For greater growth and development of the honey industry, the USAID has provided guidance and assistance to 26,000 bee farmers and those dealing with aromatic botanical specimen. Earlier, proper packing of the produce and getting it to the market on time used to
suffer, and the middle man would take advantage of the situation. Here also USAID assisted and guided the farmers.
The local farmers, who were benefited from USAID's assistance, said the financial and technical support they had received from the US people was no less than some massive help rendered by a good friend. USAID gave equipment, taught those ways and means to produce honey and botanical stuff, and showed them how to cut herbs so that many crops could be sown. In addition, they were also guided how to take the produce safely to the market and to maximise profit. With this assistance from the USAID, not only have hundreds of men and women in Swat recovered financially but they are once again busy in a renewed quest to improve the lot of their families.-PR
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