‘Improving irrigation will solve food security challenges’

The government is spending more than Rs7 billion on 10 mega schemes aimed at modernising the irrigation network in the province, Ayesha Abdullah of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said on Friday.

“The idea is to ensure adequate supply of water to improve farm productivity, especially in Bahawalpur.”

She said the development work would effectively make south Punjab the granary of the province.

Abdullah said the chief minister was committed to streamlining the irrigation network which would ensure abundance of irrigation water for crops. “This is a long-term vision for the province. It is crucial step to ensure food security.” She said improving the irrigation network was vital to meet the challenge of food security.

“This will also bring about socio-economic prosperity to 90 million peasants who toil day and night and contribute a major portion to the GDP.”

Seminar on Kissan Package The Agriculture Department held a public awareness seminar regarding the Kissan Package at the Ghulam Muhammad Ghotvi Hall at Islamia University Bahawalpur.

Provincial Minister for Co-operatives Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channer was the chief guest.

The Agriculture EDO said the seminar was held to highlight various features regarding provision of electricity at agricultural tube wells and fertilisers at subsidised rates.

He said soft loans and relief amounting to billions of rupees would be made available for farmers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2016.