ISLAMABAD, Sep 03 (Alliance News): Minister for Water Resources Dr. Musadik Masood Malik informed the National Assembly on Tuesday about the Green Pakistan Initiative, which aims to cultivate barren lands and increase crop productivity using modern techniques.
Addressing concerns raised by Syed Naveed Qamar and others about the allocation of 4.8 million acres for corporate farming, Malik clarified that 812,000 acres have been acquired so far for this purpose. The plan is a joint venture, with Punjab and Sindh already transferring land, while other provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan, have yet to do so.
A company has been registered under the green initiative, with 40% of the revenue going to the respective province, 40% to investors, and 20% earmarked for research and development in agriculture.
The required irrigation water will come from the respective province’s share, and the project will cover 400,000 acres in Punjab’s Cholistan region. The Rs 211 billion project includes the construction of a 296-kilometer canal system.
Malik emphasized that water distribution through these canals will adhere to the provinces’ water shares, with certification from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA). He also mentioned that a telemetry system is being installed to ensure fair water distribution.
In response to concerns, Malik suggested forming a parliamentary committee, led by Syed Naveed Qamar or Khursheed Shah, to further discuss the initiative.
