Amir Saeed

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is breaking the energy barriers by providing clean power to thousands of isolated communities in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral through micro-hydropower plants.

The organization is focusing on agriculture, food security, and climate resilience interventions to ensure sustainable livelihoods and build community resilience. Talking to WealthPK, Sajjad Hussain, Regional Programme Manager AKRSP, Chitral, said in collaboration with the local communities, they had developed a reliable and sustainable model of clean energy by harnessing the region’s abundant water resources.

The AKRSP’s community-driven micro-hydropower initiatives have not only provided thousands of households with renewable energy but also empowered the communities to manage these facilities independently. International recognition, including the prestigious Energy Globe and Ashden Awards, is a testament to the impact of their work, he said.

“Notably, the AKRSP has established Pakistan’s highest-altitude micro-hydropower facility at 3,596 metres in Broghil Valley, Chitral, showcasing their commitment to delivering clean energy solutions even in the most challenging terrains.” The organization is promoting regenerative agriculture and use of solar energy for irrigation, enabling year-round vegetable production in harsh environmental conditions.

The AKRSP has established over 500 passive solar greenhouses and 50 solar-powered lift irrigation systems across remote valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, strengthening food security, reducing dependence on market vegetables, and enabling families to earn a sustainable income, even during the coldest months.

Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Zaman, Programme Manager Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Resilience AKRSP, said that in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where landholding was small and traditional farming was limited to a single cropping season, passive solar greenhouses were transforming agriculture and livelihood.

By harnessing solar energy, they provide a controlled environment for year-round cultivation, ensuring food security even during the harsh winters. Heavy snowfall often disrupts the food supply chains, but with these greenhouses, the farmers can grow their own vegetables, reducing reliance on costly imports while improving nutrition and household resilience.

This innovation not only enhances food security but also opens new market opportunities, allowing the farmers to sell fresh produce in winter, strengthening livelihoods, and fostering resilient local economies. Through these integrated efforts in clean energy and sustainable agriculture, the AKRSP is significantly enhancing the quality of life and resilience of communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Credit: INP-WealthPk