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Chaniho calls for social mobilization of NGOs

KARACHI, Jan 25 (APP)- Provincial Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hasan Ali Chaniho has called for social mobilization of NGOs which, he said, was essential for the establishment of Water Users Associations and Farmers Organizations.

He also stressed the need for starting a rabita campaign for creating awareness among farmers about construction of water courses. He was speaking at a meeting held for lining of water courses so as to conserve water. The Provincial Irrigation Minister, Syed Ali Mir Shah was also present on the occasion.

Hasan Ali Chaniho informed that 200 water courses would be lined in the Nara Canal command area under National Drainage Programme which would require the establishment of Water Users Associations and Fermers Organizations. The NDP and Sindh Water Management department would provide technical assistance besides association of NGOs.

The Minister pointed out that it would be easy to maintain contact with farmers through NGOs whereas an improvement will also come in social mobilization and capacity building sectors. He said a functional institution should be developed comprising
of NGOs, autonmous organization and the private sector to determine the participation of farmers in activities of water lining etc.

Chaniho said that 75 percent of the total cost would be contributed by World Bank, donor agencies and the government and the rest to be paid by farmers.He constituted a committee, headed by Provincial Coordinator NDP which would present its proposals after consultation with NGOs regarding formation of Water Users Associations and Farmers Organizations.

Provincial Minister, Ali Mir Shah said that we will have to introduce modern technology to farmers in view of water shortage. He said that lining of water courses is most essential for ensuring use of less water and to achieve higher per acre production.

He called for immediate technical survey of water courses and to apprise the farmers about utility of lined and straight water courses. Secretary Agriculture, Abdul Rasheed Memon said that Farmers Organizations would deal with important matters like just distribution of water, maintenance of water courses and their monitoring, recovery
of revenue, water management etc.

The Provincial Coordinator NDP, Brig (Rtd) Abdul Huq informed that so far 23 FOs have been issued certificates while 20 more FOs are under constitution.
 
January  27, 2002