ISLAMABAD: Australia will provide AUD. 3 million to Pakistan for ‘Climate Resilient and Adaptive Water Allocation in Pakistan’ project which is to be completed in a period of five years (by 2029).
After the approval by the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, Secretary EAD, Dr. Kazim Niaz signed a Memorandum of Subsidiary Agreement on the project with Chief Executive of the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Prof. Wendy Umberger here Friday.
According to press release issued by Economic Affairs Division (EAD), it is a research project aiming to help improve canal water reliability through improved water allocation decisions and practices in Pakistan by updating the Water Apportionment Accord Tool to include mid-season planning and operations, exploring on-farm water storage options.
All this is aimed at achieving climate resilience, adaptive management, and equitable water use for better social and economic outcomes for farming communities, the press release added.
On the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs thanked the Australian government for extending its continuous support to the government of Pakistan in its efforts towards development of agricultural sector of the country.
Earlier, Pakistan requested an additional $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to combat the impacts of climate change in the country.
During a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the need for urgent action to control climate change in Pakistan.
The loan will support Pakistan’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Facility, which aims to promote economic stability and sustainable development in the country.
