The World Bank is considering a proposed US$171 million agricultural development project aimed at boosting farm productivity, modernising irrigation infrastructure and strengthening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Project Discussion
The proposed initiative was discussed during a meeting between Adviser to the Chief Minister on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar and a high-level World Bank delegation at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Thursday. According to officials, the project would be financed through a credit facility from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional lending arm.
Initiative Objectives
The initiative seeks to enhance agricultural production, improve water management systems, strengthen institutional and technical capacities, and promote value addition to agricultural products in order to increase farmers’ incomes. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the project’s objectives, implementation framework and expected outcomes, while exploring avenues for closer cooperation in the agricultural sector.
Government Commitment
Speaking on the occasion, Mian Muhammad Umar said the provincial government regarded sustainable agricultural development as a key priority and was committed to improving the welfare of farming communities. He said the proposed partnership with the World Bank would help modernise the agriculture sector, encourage efficient use of resources and contribute to the strengthening of the rural economy.
Strategic Focus
He added that improving access to modern technologies, promoting climate-resilient farming practices and expanding market opportunities for smallholder farmers remained central to the government’s agricultural strategy. The adviser noted that the project would equip farmers with modern skills, technical support and business opportunities, helping to improve productivity, competitiveness and long-term growth in the sector.
Institutional Cooperation
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the project’s effective implementation and enhancing institutional cooperation to support agricultural development in the province. Secretary Agriculture Dr Bakhtiar, Director General On-Farm Water Management Hayat Khan and Director On-Farm Water Management Rab Nawaz also attended the meeting.
