ADB-funded project to boost crop yields by 30 percent in Jhelum, Khushab

A major agricultural modernization initiative under the Jalalpur Irrigation Canal Project is set to boost crop yields by up to 30 percent and save 30 percent water across Jhelum and Khushab districts through an extensive command area development drive backed by the Asian Development Bank

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2026) A major agricultural modernization initiative under the Jalalpur Irrigation Canal Project is set to boost crop yields by up to 30 percent and save 30 percent water across Jhelum and Khushab districts through an extensive command area development drive backed by the Asian Development Bank.

Punjab Director General of Agriculture (Water Management) Rana Tajammal Hussain and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director Dr. Bilal Iftikhar announced these targets during a high-level progress review of the project here on Thursday. The multi-billion rupee initiative aims to transform thousands of acres of arid and uncultivated land into highly productive zones by deploying advanced water conservation technologies and high-efficiency irrigation systems, says a press release.

Under the comprehensive development plan, the provincial agriculture department is constructing 485 lined watercourses and leveling 30,000 acres of agricultural land using precision laser land levelers.

Furthermore, modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are being installed across 2,000 acres of land to optimize water usage.

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To sustain these interventions and ensure equitable water distribution at the grassroots level, 485 community-led Water User Associations have been institutionalized.

Addressing the session, Rana Tajammal Hussain stated that the project has already distributed advanced agricultural machinery and specialized implements to 212 local farmers. He emphasized that the introduction of modern farm-level infrastructure will trigger an immediate 20 to 30 percent surge in the production of vital food crops, including wheat, maize, rice, vegetables, and fodder, directly revitalizing the regional rural economy.

ADB Director Dr. Bilal Iftikhar reiterated the bank's commitment to financing sustainable agricultural frameworks in Pakistan. He highlighted that the project's core focus relies on building climate-resilient farming systems and reclaiming barren lands. Alongside infrastructure development, a massive capacity-building campaign is underway to practically train 30,000 local farmers in modern agronomic practices, ensuring long-term profitability and environmental conservation across the target districts.