Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has approved $200 million credit for over 40,000 farmers to strengthen Balochistan government’s initiative for community-based water management for irrigation in the province.

Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management & Development Project will support investments in two of the 18 basins in Balochistan – Nari and Porali river basins. The selection of these river basins was based on an assessment of surface water resources development opportunities, said a press release issued on Wednesday.

“Balochistan is the least water-secure province of Pakistan and farmers here face the greatest risks from climate change,” said WB Country Director Illango Patchamuthu. He said that the project was designed to boost farmer incomes through a new irrigation infrastructure and improved on-farm management and rangeland management while an associated objective is to build the province’s capacity for long term water resources planning.

The communities will be mobilised for participation in construction, rehabilitation of irrigation and drinking water supply facilities, flood protection infrastructure, watershed management and environmental protection works, on-farm water management and agricultural productivity activities. The main project beneficiaries will be small-holding farmers (up to 12.3 acres) and medium holding farmers (12.35 to 49.4 acres) engaged in irrigated agriculture.

Approximately 42, 800 farm households will benefit from the project. Balochistan’s hydro-meteorological monitoring and river basin information systems will also be strengthened. “Groundwater is over-exploited in many parts of the Nari and Porali basins and watersheds are degraded. However, opportunities exist for development of surface water resources and rehabilitating watersheds and rangelands, both to enhance and protect water resources and improve climate resilience”, said Task Team leader William Young.

The project will be financed from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s grant and low interest arm. It will be on standard IDA terms, with a maturity of 25 years, including a grace period of 5 years.

Agencies