ISLAMABAD, June 9: The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock will launch over Rs371 million worth of 11 new projects during the next financial year in various parts of the country, shows the Public Sector Development Programme 2005-06.

The projects include a Rs30 million pilot project for promotion of water conservation technology through introduction of high efficiency irrigation system in Punjab, NWFP and Sindh.

The ministry will also implement a Rs10 million pilot project for promotion and expansion of trickle irrigation programme in Balochistan. A Rs10 million project for development of new agriculture and shrimp farming would also be implemented. The project is yet to be approved.

A special programme for strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) facilities and quality inspection services in compliance with the TWO rules would also be carried out at a cost of Rs50 million. The project is yet to be approved.

The ministry will spend Rs75 million on a project aimed at livestock production and development. A similar amount would also be spent on milk collection, processing and dairy production and development programme. Both the projects are yet to be approved.

It has allocated Rs5 million for a project aimed at reducing seafood post-harvest losses and improving local fishing. An amount of Rs9 million has been allocated for operationalisation of Plant Quarantine Laboratory.

An amount of Rs54 million has also been earmarked for oil palm development in Sindh and Balochistan and Rs50 million for establishment of Federal Programme Management Unit.