HYDERABAD, Nov 6: Sindh Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries, Hassan Ali Chanhio has directed the officials of the irrigation and agriculture departments to evolve a proper strategy for the judicious distribution of water for Rabi season crops due to the shortage of irrigation water.

He was presiding over a National Drainage Programme organized in cooperation with the farmers’ organizations of the Nara canal command area at the office of the taluka Nazim, Mirpurkhas, on Monday.

He said straightening and lining of water courses was the dire need of the hour as a result of which 20 to 30 per cent water could be saved.

He urged the farmers organizations and the growers to ensure the use of latest technology such as zero tillage through which maximum per acre yield could be achieved by minimum use of irrigation water.

He directed the officials of the irrigation department to ensure equitable distribution of water, especially to the tail enders. He warned that no negligence or corrupt practices would be tolerated regarding it.

The secretary, Agriculture, Sindh, Abdur Rasheed Memon informed the meeting that so far 23 farmers’ organizations had been set up in the province, and added that 177 more would be established.

He urged growers to set up the maximum number of farmers’ organizations and water-users associations to resolve their problems.

The director general, Water Management, Sindh, Abdul Jabbar Khan said that 75 per cent of the expenses for the construction of water courses would be borne by the Sindh Government whereas the rest would be made available by the growers concerned.

He said the farm water management department will extend technical cooperation absolutely free.

Those who attended the meeting included the chairman, SIDA, Syed Ali Gohar Shah, the director, Nara canal, Rafique Memon, Zila Nazim Mirpurkhas Pir Shafqat Shah Jeelani, Taluka Nazim Syed Inayat Ali Shah, and Rais Khair M. Bhurgari among others.