What does Chitral need?

Prof Rahmat Karim Baig

Chitral, a beautiful yet geographically challenging district in northern Pakistan, has faced numerous hardships due to its remote mountainous terrain. From natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods to man-made issues such as tribal biases and lack of development, the region remains under constant pressure.

While these challenges are significant, Chitral also holds great potential, especially in the agriculture and horticulture sector, which, if properly developed, can transform the local economy and uplift thousands of lives.

Understanding Chitral\’s challenges

Chitral\’s geography has long been both a blessing and a burden. The region experiences:

• Harsh winters and untimely rains

• Frequent earthquakes and landslides

• River erosion and flood damage

• Shortage of irrigation water despite the presence of many rivers

• Limited access to basic resources and infrastructure

• Deep-rooted social issues stemming from historical tribal and territorial conflicts.

Despite these obstacles, the people of Chitral have continued to survive and adapt. However, real progress demands targeted development strategies.

Why Horticulture Is Key to Chitral’s Future

To break the cycle of poverty and unemployment—especially among the educated youth—Chitral must focus on three pillars of development: Education, Health, and Agriculture, with a strong emphasis on Horticulture.

Suitable Fruits for Chitral\’s Soil and Climate:

• Walnuts

• Almonds

• Apricots

• Apples

• Cherries

• Improved varieties of figs.

These fruits are not only compatible with the region’s soil but are also in high demand in local and national markets.

Current Problem:

Over 50% of existing trees in Chitral are fruitless and provide little economic value. They should be gradually replaced with fruit-bearing trees that generate income.

Need for Local Nurseries and Infrastructure

One of the major issues facing horticultural development is the lack of quality nurseries. Most nurseries are located in lower Chitral, and the saplings often fail to survive in high-altitude areas due to climatic differences and poor transport accessibility.

Proposed Solution:

• Establish high-altitude nurseries across upper Chitral to provide climate-adapted saplings.

• Set up community-based nurseries to meet local demand.

• Promote solar-powered irrigation systems in water-scarce areas.

Creating Jobs Through Fruit Processing and Marketing

By increasing the production of fresh and dried fruits, Chitralis can earn more than they currently do from low-yield cereal crops. To support this:

• Install fruit packaging units and processing facilities at affordable rates

• Provide value addition training to local farmers and youth

• Develop a marketing network and set up fruit information centers in each valley

• Launch campaigns through the Agriculture Department and NGOs to train and support farmers.

This strategy can create jobs for thousands of unemployed youth and offer self-employment opportunities to educated men and women.

Youth Engagement Through Incentives

Young people should be encouraged to take up modern agriculture and horticulture as a career. Providing stipends or small grants—similar to education stipends for girls—can motivate them to start fruit farming and small agri-businesses.

A Vision for Sustainable Chitral

While many discussions are ongoing about Chitral’s infrastructure and communication problems, little action is visible. However, boosting agricultural output—especially through horticulture—offers an immediate and practical path to development. With scientific farming practices, hygienic food processing, and market-focused strategies, Chitral can become a hub for quality fruit production in Pakistan.

Let us plant the seeds for a sustainable future – one fruit tree at a time.