USAID to train Pakistani experts on water conservation

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will train Pakistani officials to development more water efficient policies and design high efficiency irrigation system in the country. As many as nine Pakistani officials will be leaving for United States on Saturday on a ten-day study tour to learn about water issues and expertise to enhancing agricultural productivity and marketing linkages. The officials hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces will travel to the United States on a study tour sponsored by the US Government to learn about irrigation water management practices from June 16-27, 2012.
This study tour will enable provincial government officials and project staff working in the development sector to develop efficient water management policies, design high efficiency irrigation systems, as well as enhance agricultural productivity and marketing linkages. “This initiative is part of the United States commitment to support the development of Pakistan’s agricultural sector,” said USAID Acting Deputy Country Director, Jeff Bakken, addressing the orientation ceremony held for the participants of the study tour.
The study tour will be hosted by the Colorado State University which is known internationally for its research and educational programs related to water management solutions, farm water management, efficient irrigation systems, and water policy reforms. Participants are scheduled to visit an irrigation project, a land cooperative, packing sheds, agri-businesses, and farms where they will learn various aspect of water management in the agricultural sector.
The tour will also include visits to the CSU Agricultural Research Development and Education Center, the CSU Horticulture farm, and the Northern Colorado Irrigation Ditch Association. At the latter, participants will discuss and observe how this association determines water schedules, allotments, and distribution patterns. Ms Anny another USAID official described the study tour as an opportunity for the participants to learn about international water conservation and water usage practices. “It will enhance capacity of the participants to better under the issue and cope with the future challenges,” she hoped.
Two participants also expressed their views on the occasion and hoped they will fully benefit from the tour. “Pakistan is currently facing extreme water crisis which hinders food production and economic growth. Such study tours as we are about to undertake are essential for introducing international best practices in water management in the agriculture sector,” said Zahid Saleem, Provincial Coordinator Drought Relief, Balochistan.
TMA seals 15 shops over rent default: The Rawal Town Municipal Authority (TMA) on Friday sealed 15 shops over non-payment of arrears on account of rent for its facilities provided to the business community in various localities.
The TMA has expedited its drive against the defaulters under the directives of Administrator Saif Anwar Jappa, said a press release. Out of 15 sealed shops, two were de-sealed after payment of dues. The TMA, in its ongoing special drive, has recovered Rs.40 million from its defaulters. The authority has issued notices to the defaulters for payment of arrears. The TMA will launch the operation in the Banni area on Monday.