Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government is expected to allocate major development funds for the irrigation sector in the next budget to ensure smooth and adequate water supply to growers.

“The provincial government is set to significantly boost its investment in the irrigation sector in the budget for fiscal year 2025-26, in a move aimed at enhancing water management, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and tackling climate change-related challenges,” Khuda Bux Samejo, Director of Irrigation Department, told WealthPK.

He said that the provincial government plans to allocate a substantial portion of its Annual Development Programme (ADP) to irrigation projects, with a special focus on canal lining, barrages rehabilitation, watercourse improvements, and flood protection infrastructure. “The funding is also expected to support ongoing and new initiatives designed to increase efficiency in water usage and reduce wastage across Sindh’s agricultural belt,” he said.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance, emphasised the critical role of water in the province's agrarian economy in a meeting recently held on irrigation. "Given the increasing water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns, our government is prioritising irrigation reform to secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers," Samejo said while quoting the chief minister.

The new budget is likely to reflect the province’s commitment to long-term water resilience, with key allocations for modernisation of irrigation systems, introduction of smart water management technologies, and training programmes for farmers on efficient irrigation practices, he said. He also hinted at collaboration with international donors and federal institutions to co-finance major infrastructure upgrades, especially in flood-prone areas.

The proposed funding surge comes amid growing concerns over the impacts of climate change, particularly severe droughts and floods that have repeatedly damaged crops and displaced communities in Sindh. The 2022 super floods, which affected millions, served as a wake-up call and prompted the government to prioritise climate-resilient development strategies.

“In addition to large-scale infrastructure, the budget is expected to allocate funds for research on climate-resilient crop patterns and community-based water management systems, aiming to build local capacity in managing increasingly scarce water resources,” Samejo said.

Experts have welcomed the focus on irrigation, noting that sustainable water management is vital not only for agriculture but also for the broader economy of the province. However, they urged transparent implementation, regular monitoring, and community involvement to ensure that funds translate into effective on-ground improvements.

“Sindh irrigation system has helped the provincial agriculture economy for several decades. However, it is now in need of urgent rehabilitation,” Syed Mahmood Shah, an agriculture expert in Hyderabad, told WealthPK. “If executed effectively, this renewed focus on irrigation could mark a turning point for water security and agricultural productivity in Sindh,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk