150 mini dams for Potohar

Punjab launches second phase of three-year agriculture transformation plan

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Agriculture Department has launched the second phase of a project to construct mini dams in the rain-fed Potohar region, offering a 70 per cent subsidy to promote year-round irrigation, horticulture and fish farming under a three-year Agriculture Transformation Plan.

During the first phase, 111 mini dams were completed in the previous fiscal year. Under the second phase, 150 mini dams are planned in the Rawalpindi division by June 30, 2027.

A subsidy of Rs1.75 million is being provided for each mini dam, and billions of rupees have been released for the project.

Under the initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the Potohar region, rainwater will be stored in mini dams and used for irrigation.

The project is expected to help prevent soil erosion, reduce damage caused by floods, ensure water availability for cultivable land throughout the year and improve groundwater levels. It is also expected to promote profitable activities such as horticulture and dairy farming.

Farmers have welcomed the initiative. Growers Afzal Ali and Faizan said the project would benefit them by ensuring water supplies for crops and orchards throughout the year.

They added that fish could be raised in the mini dams to provide fish for household consumption, while the water bodies could also encourage the presence of aquatic birds.