FAISALABAD, Pakistan: Federal Minister for National Food Security Sikandar Hayat Bosan on Friday said the government was making all-out efforts to address issues of water in the country.
He was addressing a seminar on “Pakistan Water Resources” arranged at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) as part of the Rabi Festival.
The minister said dams were being constructed to meet demand of increasing population amid the threat of decreasing water reservoirs.
He said the water efficient irrigation technologies were needed and promoted that had become the need of the hour.
The minister said ratio of small farmers had gone up.
As many as 95 per cent of the farming community was comprising of small farmers and this ratio was 68 per cent two decades ago, he added.
He said heavy investment was being made in the agricultural sector. He also lauded the steps being taken on the part of the Punjab government for the issue.
On this occasion, Member IRSA Rao Irshad Ali Khan stressed the need to develop dams.
UAF Vice Chancellor Pro Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said at the time of inception, the water per capita availability was 5650 while it had reduced to 991 MAF now.
Progressive farmer Faisal Shah and Director Water Management Hamid Hussain Shah also spoke.
