ISLAMABAD: The European Union will provide Rs11.1 billion (58 million euros) to support the Balochistan government in its efforts to address the water shortage problem and improve access to and quality of primary and middle-level education in the province.

The announcement follows the signing of two financing agreements in Islamabad on Friday by Economic Affairs secretary Noor Ahmed and EU Ambassador Androulla Kaminara.

The five-year 40m euros programme on water problem, to be implemented from 2021, aims to contribute to transition in the arid regions of Balochistan towards sustainable, low water intensive agricultural and livestock farming systems.

The support is expected to include incentives for farmers to use water more efficiently and unleash the potential of livestock by supporting sustainable rangelands management, with focus on the most vulnerable groups.

This will not only contribute to improved productivity by making better use of scarce water resources, but also help improve groundwater recharge in medium to long term. The programme will also focus on strengthening public extension services to ensure farmers receive appropriate support on water for agriculture and livestock.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2020