KHAR, July 24: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday distributed maize seeds among the farmers of the militancy-hit areas of Bajaur tribal region.

Scores of farmers from different parts of Loi Mamond, War Mamond and Nawagi tehsils received the seeds during a ceremony held in Khar. Tribal elders and religious scholars also attended the ceremony.

Addressing on the occasion, an official of USAID said that Bajaur was the most fertile region in the entire Fata but unfortunately it was affected badly by militancy and military operation.

“The agriculture sector in Bajaur has been suffering for the last several years,” he said, adding that USAID was interested in promotion and development of agriculture sector in the war-affected areas.

The official said that several new agricultural schemes would be launched in the region soon. “USAID is concerned at the terrible situation of agriculture sector in the region,” he said, adding because farming was the backbone of economy in tribal areas.