LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial has said that a plan is being implemented to save water available under prime minister's agricultural emergency programme at a cost of Rs 28.59 billion.
While presiding over a review meeting of the ongoing activities of water management at Agriculture House here on Wednesday, he said Pakistan was one of those countries where it was very important to save every drop of available water. "The water crisis may intensify in our country as by 2025 it will be 800 cubic meters for every citizen. Pakistan ranks seventh among the countries facing water scarcity challenges. 93 percent of the water available in Pakistan is used for agricultural purposes and seven percent for daily use. There is a need for an awareness campaign to save water," he added.
Director General Agriculture (Water Management) Malik Muhammad Akram speaking on the occasion said 90 million acres feet (MAF) of water was required annually for cultivation of crops in Punjab while water losses were estimated at 37 MAF per year. Thus, 65 MAF of water are obtained annually for crop cultivation.
"Australia and the USA have water storage capacity of 900 days. India has 220 days the government is providing all possible facilities to the farmers for efficient use of water for agricultural use," the minister said
He further said that farmers could contact the local offices of water management to avail that facility. He also issued instructions to provide better facilities to the farmers and appealed the people to pay special attention to the efficient use of water and try to save every drop of water.
Director Crop Reporting Punjab Abdul Qayyum and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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