The agro-climatic diversity of Malakand division allows farmers to grow a variety of Cereals, Oilseeds, Pulses, Vegetables and Fruits. Recently, some new fruits and numerous vegetables have been successfully tested for cultivation in the division going through a process of expansion. Due to economic pressure and a change in life style etc., transformation from subsistence to market-agriculture has
occurred in recent decades. This has caused the fruit and vegetable industry in the division to flourish rapidly. The changing situation offers great challenges for researchers, because the diversity of crops and farming conditions requires the researchers to address farmer problems in an intricate manner. On top of the agenda are now the threats posed by climate change and serious adaptation measures are becoming the need of the day. The entire approach towards agricultural research is most likely to change in the light of changing scenarios. A GLANCE AT ARI MINGORA
• Established at Mingora as an Economic Botany Section in 1976.
• Upgraded to Agricultural Research Station Mingora in 1980.
• Owing to outstanding achievements once again upgraded to an Institute in 2007.
• Total area is 36 acres with 30 acres devoted to field research with offices, laboratories and green / lath houses on 6 acres.
• Eight research disciplines and total sanctioned staff of 167.
• Kalam Summer Station on 5 acres and leased GPU Fruits at Biakan Swat on 13 acres. RESEARCH MANDATE
Variety Development
Evaluation of field crops, vegetables & fruit varieties. Production Technology Development
Nutrient requirement, cost effective agronomic practices, integrated pest and disease management (IPM). Distribution and regeneration of improved varieties / plant material
Production and distribution of basic seed & fruit nursery saplings / bud-wood / rootstock. Post-harvest Technology Development
Fruit & vegetable drying, squashes, jam, pickles etc. Transmission of Improved Technology
Adaptive research, field days, training courses, workshops, seminars, & mass media. Advisory services
Advisory services to farmers, donor projects and other relevant organizations. ACHIEVEMENTS
Agricultural Research Institute Mingora has achieved considerable success towards its mandate:
• Approved 54 renowned varieties including sequential ripening Peaches and Apples.
• Introduced new fruits and vegetables types / off season vegetables / tunnel vegetable farming and innovative propagation methods.
• Produced and distributed basic seed fruit saplings, rootstocks and bud wood.
• Promoted integrated pest and disease management.
• Formulated post-production techniques for fruits and vegetables preservation.
• Established improved fruit types orchards under the rehabilitation project.
• Imparted advisory services, trainings, field days etc.
