Islamabad: Water losses in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have witnessed a 60% decline, thanks to a project funded by the United States, a news source reported. The initiative has helped bring vast plains of land under cultivation to boost agriculture productivity for more than 8,000 farmers.
Satpara Development Project, named after Satpara Lake, was funded by USAID and ran for seven years. Economic opportunities and agriculture production surged under the initiative as 1,200 new businesses were established, generating more than 4,000 jobs. Horticultural products from Baltistan now have access to larger markets in both Lahore and Islamabad.
Fed by the Satpara stream, the project supplies water to Skardu valley. The completion of Satpara Dam downstream of the lake has enlarged Satpara Lake. The project was executed by Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.
Farmers were introduced to new technology and latest farming practices and the project trained agri businesses in improved marketing techniques. Over 130 km of irrigation canals were constructed under the initiative and local communities were taught to ensure efficient water management techniques.
