Peshawar: The agriculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set for a major uplift as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is likely to finance a proposed USD 239.13 million irrigation and agriculture development project aimed at improving water management, crop productivity and rural livelihoods.
The project, titled the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Resilient Irrigated Agriculture Livelihood Development Project (KPRIALDP), is currently in the planning stage with preparation of its PC-1 document underway.
According to officials, the initiative will focus on key areas including on-farm water management, soil and water conservation, agricultural extension services, agricultural engineering, research systems, forestry and wildlife development.
Major components of the project include rehabilitation of the Pehur Main Canal Command Area in Mardan, covering 14,385 hectares. It also proposes bringing an additional 4,424 hectares under irrigation through the Pehur High Level Canal Lot-IV in Mardan and Nowshera, while 1,466 hectares in Chitral will be developed under the Mulkhow irrigation scheme.
Officials briefed a pre-wrap-up meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, chaired by Secretary Agriculture Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan, along with the ADB Resident Mission team and technical experts from relevant departments.
During the briefing, ADB representatives outlined the project’s expected outcomes, including expansion of irrigated land, improved cropping intensity, increased agricultural productivity and enhanced food security. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and improve living standards in rural areas.
Speaking on the occasion, the secretary agriculture said the proposed ADB-funded initiative would particularly benefit vulnerable and underserved communities. He added that modern farming approaches such as smart irrigation systems, short-duration vegetables, olive cultivation and high-value crops are increasingly important for the province’s agricultural future.
The project, once finalized, is expected to play a key role in strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and improving long-term food security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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