HYDERABAD: A task team of the World Bank has emphasised the need for area development plans under the WB-funded Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) project.

A WB representative and task team leader, Greg Browder, discussed project’s progress with irrigation officials at the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida).

Greg underscored the importance of preparing comprehensive area development plans for all the branches selected for canal modernisation under Sindh SWAT project.

He said those plans must be approved by respective farmers’ organisations before implementation begins, in order to ensure meaningful promotion of agriculture across Sindh.

He urged Sida and the agriculture department to expedite preparatory work and begin execution without delay, ensuring that the intended benefits of the project would reach farmers promptly and contribute to increased agricultural income.

Sida Managing Director Pritam Das stated preparations for the canal modernisation had been completed. He added that the Area Development Plan was currently being developed by SISC consultants in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Unit and would soon be submitted to the WB for review.

The project director (PD) of Swat’s water component, Jamal Mangan, noted that while preparations for implementation were progressing, canal modernisation and area development planning represented a new approach for Sida, agriculture department and other stakeholders.

He said that although data collection was time-intensive, it was nearing completion. He shared that extensive engagement with local residents, civil society and other stakeholders was conducted through public workshops and training was being provided to organisational officials of relevant branches.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025