THE monsoons have started but the provincial authorities have taken no measures to store rain water. Pakistan has two major deserts, namely Thar and Cholistan. There is a need to set up facilities to store rain water in both regions to meet the needs of the people.

I request the federal and the Sindh and Punjab governments to jointly bear the expenses of this venture so that the impact of drought can be reduced especially in Thar. The Sindh and Punjab irrigation departments must devise strategies to address this issue. I also request philanthropists of Sindh and Punjab to participate in the building of storage projects for rain water prior to the monsoon of 2018.

The Punjab government initiative to approach the World Bank for financing projects worth $130 million while local farmers will put up $70 million is to be hailed. This will help increase agricultural productivity of the province.

The use of 21st century technology must be tapped to ensure agriculture, which is Pakistan’s mainstay and can help it to earn billions in foreign exchange for which it has the potential.

Engr. Riaz Akbar

Wah

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2017