The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned $8.32 million in project readiness financing for the Punjab government to modernise irrigation systems and improve water availability across the province.
Announced last week, the funding will prepare key irrigation projects for swift ADB-backed implementation, expediting disbursements and ensuring smooth execution. The initiative focuses on five priority projects identified in 2019, aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading canal networks to boost agricultural productivity, improve water-use efficiency, and strengthen food security in Punjab.
Punjab’s agriculture sector depends heavily on the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), which irrigates about 15 million hectares nationwide, 60% of them in Punjab. However, ageing infrastructure, inefficient water management, and reliance on unpredictable rainfall or groundwater for some cultivable areas have created persistent challenges for farmers.
The approved financing will help bridge earlier gaps in feasibility studies, incorporating integrated water management, climate change resilience, and stronger economic evaluations. Planned upgrades include the rehabilitation of the Upper Jhelum Canal System, improvements in the Dera Ghazi Khan Canal region, and remodelling of multiple key IBIS canals.
Officials expect the projects to significantly enhance irrigation efficiency, ensure reliable water delivery, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The Punjab government sees ADB’s support as a step toward strengthening the province’s water security, boosting rural incomes, and building long-term resilience in its agriculture-driven economy.
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