Drip irrigation system installed on 333 acres, says official

Published March 11, 2019
Drip irrigation has 90-95 per cent efficiency, Punjab Agricultural Department's spokesperson says.  Nasir Jamal/File
Drip irrigation has 90-95 per cent efficiency, Punjab Agricultural Department's spokesperson says. Nasir Jamal/File

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Agriculture Department installed drip irrigation system to cover 333 acres agriculture land in the Rawalpindi district during the current financial year.

According to a spokesman, the drip irrigation system had 90 to 95 per cent efficiency and sprinkler irrigation system saved 60 to 70pc water as compared to the traditional irrigation system.

He said the drip system had helped irrigate over 4,443 acres while 1,090 acres was covered through the sprinkler irrigation system installed during the last two years in the Potohar region.

The water management department was providing 80pc subsidy to the farmers for installation of the solar system which is an alternative source of energy.

It is economical, effective and environment friendly technology, he added.

He said the department was also striving to promote tunnel farming in the region and 50pc subsidy was being provided to the farmers for installing tunnels to produce off season vegetables and fruits.

At present, over 105 acres is under tunnel farming in the Potohar region and off season quality products are being produced.

The department has taken steps for promoting agriculture in the Potohar region which has a different environment and soil from other areas of the province, he said.

The Potohar region is facing severe shortage of water and the situation necessitated efficient irrigation system such as drip and sprinkler systems, he said adding the department was providing 60pc subsidy on drip and sprinkler irrigation system.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2019

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...