Water and Power Development Authority, Faisalabad Agriculture University sign deal for water management in agriculture sector

Lahore, March 23, 2016 (PPI-OT): The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here at WAPDA House with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. According to the MoU, WAPDA and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad will work together to support research and training activities leading to sustainable development and management of water resources for agricultural sector in Pakistan.

WAPDA Chairman Zafar Mahmood and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations. The signing ceremony was also attended by WAPDA Member (Water), Member (Power), Member (Finance), Secretary WAPDA, Managing Director (Administration), General Manager (Coordination and Monitoring) Water, Director General (Services) and senior faculty members of the university.

Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA Chairman said that 90 percent water in Pakistan is used by the agriculture, hence, there is a dire need to focus this sector for water conservation by introducing latest irrigation techniques instead of the traditional one, which is known as flood irrigation. This will not only help us check wastage of water but also enhance productivity of water, he added. The Chairman further said that pricing of water is the key to strike a balance between demand and supply in all walks of life particularly in agriculture sector.

Later, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor said that promoting the prudent and productive use of water in agriculture is close to their heart, adding that by signing the MoU, they will be able to work with WAPDA to promote this cause. He expressed the hope that collaboration between WAPDA and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad will help escalate the process of change in agriculture sector.

It is pertinent to mention that WAPDA had already signed an MoU with Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro for water management and will soon sign an MoU of similar nature with Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam.

For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99202633
Fax: +92-42-99203144
Cell: +92-333-4458293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com
Website: www.wapda.gov.pk