World Bank’s proposed project would be financed through a $171m credit from the IDA
DLP Report
ISLAMABAD
Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar met a high-level delegation of World Bank at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Thursday, said a handout.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on various aspects, objectives and expected outcomes of a proposed agricultural development project in province. Secretary Agriculture Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan, Director General On-Farm Water Management Hayat Khan and Director On-Farm Water Management Rab Nawaz were also present on the occasion.
World Bank delegation briefed Advisor Agriculture and informed him that proposed project would be financed through a US$ 171 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA). The project aims to enhance agricultural production and productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, modernize irrigation systems, strengthen technical and institutional capacities of smallholder farmers and ensure sustainable growth in farmers’ incomes through value addition in agricultural products.
Speaking on the occasion, Mian Muhammad Umar said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government considers comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development among its top priorities and is taking practical measures for welfare and prosperity of farming community.
He stated that proposed project, in collaboration with World Bank, would play a significant role in modernizing province’s agriculture sector, promoting efficient resource utilization and strengthening the rural economy.
He further emphasized that smallholder farmers are backbone of provincial agricultural economy. Therefore, enhancing their capacities, improving access to modern agricultural technologies, promoting climate-resilient farming practices and ensuring better market access remain key priorities of government.
He added that project would provide farmers with modern skills, technical assistance and business opportunities, thereby boosting productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring effective and timely implementation of project, enhancing institutional cooperation, and further strengthening mutual collaboration for development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s agriculture sector.
