Modern irrigation techniques ordered
The SWAT project worth $310 million, launched in January this year and will last for six years, is aimed at modernising irrigation practices, transition to smart subsidies and enhancing agricultural water productivity. photo: file
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed the irrigation department to introduce modern irrigation system with the purpose to make maximum barren land cultivable by ensuring judicious and prudent use of available water resources across the province.
“Artificial dams should be constructed at suitable spots of the province and for this purpose, a system of Cluster Solar Tube Wells should be introduced so as to bring maximum barren land under cultivation with minimum water resources,” the chief minister said, adding that the whole exercise would pave the path for self-sufficiency in agricultural products and food security for K-P.
Gandapur directed the authorities concerned to introduce GIS system for collection of ‘Aabyana’ and other related taxes, and increase the fixed fines and penalties so as to prevent water theft and other illegal activities in the province.
He issued these directives while chairing a meeting of the irrigation department at the CM House.
Provincial Minister for Irrigation Aqibullah, Additional Chief Secretary P&D Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, administrative secretaries of the concerned departments and other relevant officials attended the huddle.
The chief minister was given a detailed briefing about the administrative affairs, development projects, reforms, future plans and other related matters of the department.
Addressing the participants, Gandapur said, it was the priority of his government to make the province self-sufficient in agricultural products, and called for special focus on introducing result-oriented research techniques in agriculture sector, as well as expediting work on the ongoing development projects.
Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal (CRBC) project is of vital importance in this regard, he said, adding that the flagship project once completed, would play an important role in bringing millions of acres of barren land of southern districts under cultivation.
The chief minister also ordered collection and compiling of realistic data of small dams and command areas in the province, stressing that the irrigation department should pay special attention to digitise all its affairs at the earliest.
He directed all the works departments to fix realistic timelines for the contracts of development projects. He said the contractors would be responsible for ensuring progress on the projects within the set timelines, adding that failure to do so would result in fines imposed on them.
Meanwhile, addressing a meeting of the livestock department, the chief minister said there was significant potential in the livestock sector to generate employment and boost the province’s income.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2024.