The Punjab cabinet has approved the revised PC-1 of the “Agriculture Innovation and Technology 2021-2025” project to modernize farming and reduce water wastage across the province, marking another step towards reforming the province’s agriculture sector amid growing pressure on water resources and farm productivity.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials presented plans to reduce water wastage by promoting high-efficiency irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler technologies. The project aims to shift farming practices away from traditional flood irrigation, which consumes large volumes of water and contributes to declining groundwater levels.
According to meeting details, the revised plan focuses on increasing agricultural output through the use of modern technology while ensuring better use of limited natural resources. Officials said the adoption of efficient irrigation systems would help farmers have more production with less water, a dire need as Punjab faces recurring water shortages.
The project also places focus on field extension services, which are expected to play a key role in the early detection and control of crop diseases and pests. By improving on-ground support, the government hopes to reduce crop losses and help farmers make timely decisions during the growing season.
Cabinet members were told that the approved initiatives are expected to increase farmers’ income, improve crop quality, and contribute to the stabilize the economy of the rural areas. Over time, officials believe these reforms could strengthen food security and support agricultural exports.
One of the key initiatives announced at that time was the ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar’ program, under which state-owned agricultural land will be allocated to landless citizens for cultivation. The chief minister directed officials to immediately begin allocating government land to 50,000 people, stating that public land should no longer benefit a privileged few but instead serve as a source of livelihood for the poor.