Peshawar – Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar chaired a review meeting on World Bank-assisted “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (KPIAIP)” being implemented by the On-Farm Water Management Directorate.
The meeting reviewed progress made under the project and discussed future targets in details. Additional Secretary Agriculture Dilnawaz Khan, Director General On-Farm Water Management, Director General Agriculture Engineering, while all district directors of On-Farm Water Management participated via video link in the meeting.
Officials briefed the meeting that development project has been under implementation since 2020. Under the initiative, watercourses are being constructed and modern irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems are being installed to promote efficient water use in agriculture. The meeting was informed that project has a total cost of Rs40 billion and aims to increase agricultural productivity while reducing water losses by promoting modern irrigation systems across the province.
Speaking on the occasion, Mian Umar emphasized the promotion of High Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS), stating that the adoption of modern technologies such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and rain gun systems would significantly reduce water wastage, improve crop yield and quality, enhance fertilizer-use efficiency, and lower production costs for farmers.
He directed relevant authorities to strengthen engagement with farmers and ensure regular consultation with them during the planning and implementation of development projects so that the benefits of these initiatives reach the maximum number of growers.
He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government is utilizing all available resources to promote agricultural development, expand use of modern irrigation systems and provide better facilities to farmers.
He added that timely and transparent completion of ongoing development projects remains one of the government’s top priorities.
