Karachi: The World Bank (WB) will provide USD 310 million for the development of the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transmission (SWAT) project, news sources reported. The funds will help in the development of infrastructure for the transmission of potable water and agriculture projects in the province.
Reportedly, the funds will be provided by the WB in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project will help in the development of water infrastructure in the 22 districts of Sindh in five years’ time. Under the project, Sindh will implement five policies:
Water resource management
Water service delivery
Agriculture subsidies
Investment component
Project coordination and monitoring
Additionally, the following scope has been defined in the policy document of SWAT:
Rehabilitation and improvement of Akram Wah of Kotri Barrage, Lower Nara Canal Head Regulator (D/s Outlet from Chotiari Reservoir).
Emergency work on the right bank canals off the Sukkur Barrage.
Canal modernization in all the existing three area water boards: Nara canal, left bank canals, and Ghotki feeder.
Strengthening the agricultural policy reforms on agriculture investments for innovation, technical knowledge to improve agriculture extension services, and research systems.
Competitive investments to improve agricultural systems through demand-driven efforts.
Invest in improving the crop reporting system, and the development of a Market Information system.
Provision of a co-sharing subsidy on agriculture implements, inputs, machinery, and equipment.
Capacity building of extension research and OFWM officials/scientist and project management team at the PMU/Delivery Unit level Rehabilitation and upgrading an office building for agriculture extension and research with latest equipment/machinery.
Preparation of updated financial regulations for the SIDA, AWBs, and FOs preparation of studies for the design for Sindh Hydro Informatics (including groundwater)
An assessment study to identify the agriculture extension and research facilities/laboratories for rehabilitation/modernization
Conducting a capacity assessment of the department for recommending the training plans for the officials and experts under the capacity development program
Studies for the introduction of climate Smart Agriculture & Saline Agriculture
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
