Agriculture Boost  Through Green Pakistan Initiative

News Desk

Islamabad: The ambitious Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), a comprehensive plan designed to bring the country’s barren lands into productive use and significantly enhance per-acre crop yields through modern agricultural techniques, was revealed by the Minister of Water Resources, Dr Musadiq Masood Malik, on the National Assembly floor on Tuesday.

In response to a calling attention notice raised by Syed Naveed Qamar and others regarding media reports on the allocation of 4.8 million acres of land for corporate farming and its potential impact on water diversion, Dr Malik told that the initiative, envisioned as a joint venture, has already led to land transfers from Punjab and Sindh, with other provinces and regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, yet to follow suit. So far, 812,000 acres of land have been acquired, marking a significant step towards transforming desolate areas into fertile, cultivable land.

As part of this initiative, a dedicated company has been established to manage the green projects. The revenue model is structured to ensure that 40 percent of the income generated will be allocated to the respective provinces, with another 40 percent going to the investors.

The remaining 20 percent will be earmarked exclusively for research and development (R&D), underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.

What is the Green Pakistan Initiative?

Launched in 2016, the Green Pakistan Initiative is a government-led programme aimed at tackling Pakistan’s environmental challenges, particularly deforestation and the adverse effects of climate change.

This initiative seeks to restore and expand the country’s green cover, promoting environmental sustainability and the conservation of biodiversity. By focusing on reforestation and the protection of endangered wildlife, the programme is an essential part of Pakistan’s broader environmental strategy.

The initiative also places a strong emphasis on water conservation, recognising the crucial role of watersheds and sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring the long-term health of the environment.

By increasing tree cover, the GPI helps mitigate climate change, as trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint.

Water Management

Dr Malik further detailed the water management aspect of the Green Pakistan Initiative. He assured that the necessary irrigation water for the project would be sourced from each province’s allocated share. Specifically, the scheme will cover around 400,000 acres within the Cholistan region of Punjab.

The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 211 billion, includes the construction of a 296 km long canal system, comprising 176 km for the Cholistan Canal and 120 km for the Marur Canal. The Cholistan Canal will draw water from Punjab’s share for four months of the year, with the remaining two months supplemented by floodwaters.

The minister was clear that water distribution through these canals would strictly adhere to the shares allocated to each province. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) will oversee and certify the water distribution process, ensuring that the rights of each province are upheld.

Responding to concerns raised by Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr Malik reiterated that, following the 18th constitutional amendment, the federal government has no authority to interfere with how provinces manage their water resources.

Collaborative Efforts

The Green Pakistan Initiative is a collaborative effort, with Punjab and Sindh leading the way by identifying and transferring land for the project. Although other provinces and regions, such as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, have yet to transfer land, their involvement is crucial for the nationwide success of the initiative.

The Ministry of Water Resources  (MWRs)is spearheading the project, ensuring that all partners work in unison to achieve the common goal of agricultural revitalisation.

Dr Malik also mentioned the implementation of a telemetry system within the water distribution network. This system is expected to address any provincial concerns regarding the equitable distribution of water, as it will provide real-time data and ensure transparency according to the water accord.

The project’s ultimate aim is to boost per-acre yields through modern techniques such as drip irrigation, tunnel farming, and other innovative agricultural practices, requiring significant investment. Moreover, it represents a bold effort to reclaim and cultivate barren land, contributing to Pakistan’s agricultural growth and food security.

Additional Input and edited by Imama Riaz.