Saudi grant supports irrigation, food security in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD — Saudi Arabia has provided a grant to Pakistan to support the “Green Pakistan” initiative, aimed at enhancing irrigation systems, boosting agricultural productivity, and strengthening food security.The grant was announced during an official visit by a Saudi delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Agriculture at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Sulaiman Al-Khateeb, as part of the Kingdom’s strategy to support Pakistan and deepen bilateral cooperation in sustainable development.The project covers an area of 500 hectares and includes the provision of 10 central pivot irrigation systems, along with supporting equipment such as fertilization units, generators, and power engines.It also includes training programs for Pakistani specialists on system operation and management, benefiting agricultural communities in Punjab and the Bahawalpur region.The initiative aims to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture, particularly in semi-arid areas, expand irrigated land, increase agricultural output both in quantity and quality, and diversify crop production while preserving natural resources.Saudi Arabia said the project will also contribute to job creation and improved living conditions in beneficiary areas.The move comes as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan seek to expand economic cooperation following a recently signed framework agreement, focusing on priority sectors including energy, industry, mining, information technology, tourism, agriculture, and food security, as well as advancing plans for electricity interconnection between the two countries.