Rs 3.575 billion allocated to agriculture, livestock and fisheries

The Sindh government has allocated Rs 1.725 billion to agriculture and Rs 1.85 billion to livestock and fisheries sectors in the annual development plan (ADP) for 2007-08.
The funding in the agriculture sector has been raised by 55 percent from Rs 1.113 billion of 2006-07, but in livestock and fisheries sectors the allocation has been increased by a hefty 636 percent from Rs 251 million. The overall planned investment in the agriculture sector has increased to Rs 2.95 billion, which is almost double from the outgoing fiscal year's Rs 1.5 billion.
In order to boost the agriculture sector, the provincial government has planned major development activities for the new fiscal year, which include establishment of a modern meat, fish and vegetable market near Super Highway, Hyderabad costing Rs 1.965 billion.
Construction of three cold storages has been planned at Mirpur Khas, Tando Allahyar and Shahpur Jahanian at a cost of Rs 0.5 billion. A Training and Research Institute of Agriculture Engineering will be established at a cost of Rs 0.3 billion. About Rs 0.8 billion has been allocated for buying crawler tractors ie earth moving machinery.
The provincial government is also aiming to upgrade Keenjhar Lake system to increase water supply to Karachi. Construction of Bund Weir-III is planned across River Malir to harness rainwater for agriculture purpose.
The execution of ongoing federally funded mega projects includes revamping and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage system and extension of RBOD from Sehwan to Sea and lining of distributaries and minors. The development funding in livestock and fisheries sectors is aimed at poverty alleviation, attracting local and foreign investment, raising exports and improving hygienic conditions to meet European Union standards.
The provincial government will establish cattle colonies equipped with modern facilities at various places at a cost of Rs 3.328 billion. A state-of-the-art dairy village and meat processing zone is being set up at Bhambhore, costing Rs 0.45 billion.
Establishment of fish hatcheries is planned on major waters at a cost of Rs 0.335 billion and Rs 0.5 billion for setting up model villages for fishermen and provisions of fishing gears. The provincial government will introduce salvage farming for calves and dry buffaloes.