Islamabad: In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity and water management, President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the expedited completion of the Kachhi Canal project within the next one and a half years. The project aims to irrigate 713,000 acres in Balochistan, promising a major boost to the region’s agricultural capacity.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the directive came during a meeting on the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. President Zardari was briefed on the progress of six strategic canals that are central to the GPI, with the Kachhi Canal being a priority. The meeting, attended by Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and senior military officials, also covered advancements in modern irrigation techniques including the promotion of drip irrigation in arid zones.

Furthering the GPI’s goals, President Zardari ordered the concrete lining of the canals to prevent water loss and called for the establishment of a state land bank to manage resources effectively, seeking investments to enhance the irrigation infrastructure. The President’s comprehensive strategy underscores a commitment to transforming Pakistan’s agricultural landscape through sustainable and innovative water management practices.