67 farmers associations elections would be completed by July 31

Lahore: Managing Director Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA) and Secretary Irrigation Punjab, Capt. Retd. Zahid Saeed has said that election of sixty seven farmers associations  of Area Water Boards of Lower Chenab Canal (West) Circle will be completed by July 31.

This was stated by him while presiding over a meeting at his office regarding the project of introducing modern methods of canal water conservation being implemented with the cooperation of Japanese Institution for International Development (JICA). JICA representatives, as well as concerned officials were present. Managing Director PIDA directed that election process of farmers associations of LCC (West) Area Water Board Faisalabad should be completed expeditiously and Chief Executive Area Water Board should review the election activities on daily basis.  He directed officers of Irrigation and PIDA to implement Irrigation Sector Reforms Programme on priority basis so that effective and practical participation of farmers in the canal system should be ensued. He stressed that farmers associations should perform their responsibilities by rising above personal and political interest so that equitable distribution of canal water among farmers could be ensured.

Japanese representative said that the farmers of Bahawalnagar, DG Khan and Chiniot have extended cooperation in the conservation of canal water which is encouraging. He said that awareness should be promoted among the farmers regarding modern methods of canal water conversation such as drip irrigation, sprinkle irrigation, bed and furrow and tunnel farming so that maximum production could be achieved by minimum use of canal water.  He said that Japanese experts are also imparting training to officers of agriculture department and PIDA in technical matters.