ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $275 million loan to help build a surface irrigation system to increase agricultural production and improve food security in the Jhelum and Khushab districts in Punjab.
The project is expected to benefit 384,000 people. “Having a sufficient and effective irrigation system is fundamental in the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector—a significant driver of the country’s economy,” said Ryutaro Takaku, Principal Water Resources Specialist at ADB’s Central and West Asia Department. “ADB’s support will help increase agriculturahttp://nation.com.pk/admin/content_list/print#l production and improve food security in Pakistan.”
Agriculture remains a crucial component of Pakistan’s economy, contributing 20% of gross domestic product and employing 42% of Pakistan’s total labor force in fiscal year 2015, with Punjab contributing more than 80% of agricultural output. Because of the country’s semi-arid climate, more than 90% of agriculture output depends on irrigation. Pakistan’s advantage is the Indus Basin Irrigation System, which draws water from the Indus River.
