PPAF recently convened an interactive session with farmers from Neelum Valley to listen directly to community experiences and to explore practical ways to strengthen local livelihoods. Mr. Nadir Gul, CEO PPAF, and Mr. Arshad Rashid, Chief Programmes, welcomed participants and led an open discussion on the challenges farmers face and the innovative practices they are adopting. The meeting focused on hands-on learning and locally driven solutions to support Neelum agriculture.
Farmers described encouraging success stories in saffron and mushroom cultivation developed under PPAF’s Local Area Development Programme and implemented by the BERD Foundation. These initiatives have enabled households to diversify income sources and adopt more sustainable cropping methods, turning experimental ideas into reproducible practices for other communities across the valley.
Participants highlighted how small-scale innovation is building resilience in remote areas, with growers sharing techniques, season-to-season adjustments and early results from value-added cultivation. The session underlined the role of community engagement and tailored programme support in scaling promising models and strengthening supply of locally produced saffron and mushrooms for regional markets.
PPAF reiterated its commitment to working with farmers, local partners and implementing organisations to encourage innovation, resilience and inclusive growth. Continued dialogue and targeted support aim to sustain momentum for Neelum agriculture and to help farming families build more secure, environmentally responsible livelihoods.
