Dams vital for agriculture productivity
Federal Minister for Water Resources, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah here on Thursday said that construction of new dams were vital for bolstering agriculture productivity, fulfilling people’s water requirements and achieving self-sufficiency in food.
Talking to media persons after visiting different sections of the under construction Mohmand Dam costing Rs309.6 billion, the federal minister said this multifaceted project was very important for the country’s economic and agricultural water needs besides providing clean drinking water to Peshawar and adjoining areas.
He said 20 per cent work on Mohmand dam has been completed while the remaining work would be completed by 2026.
“Pakistan is an agricultural country and construction of new dams is required to bolster agriculture production and ensure food security,” he said.
He added large dams have a direct impact on the economy and if four new dams were built then not only our economic and agricultural growth would improve but immensely help in paying out of the country’s debts.
With completion of Mohmand Dam, he said, the water shortage problem of Peshawar would be addressed. Over 300 million gallons of water per day would be provided to Peshawar from the dam for drinking purposes with Rs957 million profits.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2022.