RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Agriculture Department installed drip irrigation system to cover 333 acres agriculture land in the Rawalpindi district during the current financial year.

According to a spokesman, the drip irrigation system had 90 to 95 per cent efficiency and sprinkler irrigation system saved 60 to 70pc water as compared to the traditional irrigation system.

He said the drip system had helped irrigate over 4,443 acres while 1,090 acres was covered through the sprinkler irrigation system installed during the last two years in the Potohar region.

The water management department was providing 80pc subsidy to the farmers for installation of the solar system which is an alternative source of energy.

It is economical, effective and environment friendly technology, he added.

He said the department was also striving to promote tunnel farming in the region and 50pc subsidy was being provided to the farmers for installing tunnels to produce off season vegetables and fruits.

At present, over 105 acres is under tunnel farming in the Potohar region and off season quality products are being produced.

The department has taken steps for promoting agriculture in the Potohar region which has a different environment and soil from other areas of the province, he said.

The Potohar region is facing severe shortage of water and the situation necessitated efficient irrigation system such as drip and sprinkler systems, he said adding the department was providing 60pc subsidy on drip and sprinkler irrigation system.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2019