Daily Times

LAHORE: The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tando Jam have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support research and exchange of technical expertise leading to sustainable development of land and water resources in Pakistan. The major areas to be covered under the MoU include water conservation, water logging and salinity and cropping patterns etc. WAPDA Chairman Zafar Mahmood and SAU Tando Jam Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujeebud Din Memon signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations. The ceremony was attended by Sindh Abadgar Board and Sindh Chamber of Agriculture office bearers, SAU faculty members, WAPDA general manager (south projects) and other WAPDA officers. Addressing the ceremony, the WAPDA chairman said that agriculture sector uses about 90% water in Pakistan, therefore, prudent use of water in this sector is all the more important to conserve this vital resource by introducing high efficiency irrigation techniques instead of the conventional technique of flood irrigation. “By adopting latest irrigation techniques, we will not only be able to control wastage of water but also enhance its productivity. Besides engaging other stakeholders, WAPDA has also been reaching out the academia in a bid to promote the culture of water conservation,” he added. The chairman apprised the audience that WAPDA had earlier signed two MoUs for the purpose one each with Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. He suggested that SAU, under the MoU with WAPDA, could also undertake research on water issues of the country and how could these be resolved.