Islamabad, October 29, 2014
On October 28, 32 Pakistani professionals from the water management and agriculture sectors who participated in a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) training program in 2012 and 2014 met at the Serena Hotel to discuss follow-up actions from their visits to the United States and Australia. Representatives from both the public and private sectors were able discuss how they would apply the techniques they learned from the training to improve irrigation practices in Pakistan.
During the training program, participants observed modern water management systems and technologies such as furrow irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkle irrigation, and the use of pivots in Colorado and Australia. The three-week training was an opportunity for Pakistani farmers from various areas of the country to learn how efficient crop irrigation techniques could increase overall profits.
Today’s event allowed participants to network and share plans to best adopt these improved irrigation practices in Pakistan, as well as create training programs in their respective regions for other farmers and agriculture practitioners. USAID Mission Director Gregory Gottlieb told participants today, “I urge you to continue to make improvements to your irrigation practices and contribute to increased competitiveness of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Your newfound skills and knowledge will lead to economic growth for all.”
Pakistan Water Management Officer Akhtar Hussain Malik said, “I will transfer my knowledge to my colleagues through workshops and other trainings and we will adopt the best techniques to cover the water losses that we are facing in our area.”
For more details regarding U.S. assistance for economic growth and agriculture sector: 1.usa.gov/1dKTncZ.
