With a view to overcome the shortage of water, Punjab government has chalked out an irrigation management plan so as to ensure judicious use of available water.
Punjab Irrigation Minister Amir Sultan Cheema said this while addressing "Meet the Press" programme of Lahore Press Club on Thursday.
Cheema maintained that only 5 MAF water is available for Rabi crops against requirement of 12 MAF. In order to overcome this shortage, Punjab government has decided to distribute the existing water judiciously so as to benefit maximum crop area. Apart from this, water theft will be checked.
To a question, the Minister said at present, water shortage for Rabi crops, is 43 percent, which may raise 53 percent.
He said that Punjab government is also constructing small dams in various areas of the province, including Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal. Cheema said that Prime Minister of Pakistan has promised to give funds for the lining of Punjab canals and work is underway for the lining.
The Punjab irrigation minister said that annual de-siltation campaign would start in October. A pilot project has been started in Shorkot where gypsum is being provided to growers on 50 percent discount rates to improve the quality of soil.
He said the government is going to announce a relief package for the growers. The Punjab Irrigation Department has recommended that growers must be provided subsidy on diesel as well as use of electricity for agriculture purpose, Cheema added.
The Minister said that in March 2005, Punjab Irrigation Department is going to start a new monitoring system of barrages with the help of satellite communication. He said that studies for the construction of Kalabagh Dam had been completed in 1993.
According to initial estimates, a bumper cotton crop is expected from Punjab this year and first cotton picking has been started, the Minister said.
Consultant Punjab Irrigation Department, Mehmoodul Hassan, Adviser, Mazhar Ali and Fida Hussain, Chief Engineer, also spoke at the occasion.
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