HYDERABAD (April 03 2007): Sindh Agriculture Department is providing sprinkler and drip irrigation systems to farmers at 80 percent subsidised rates under a scheme costing Rs 208 million. Provincial Secretary Agriculture Mahkumuddin Qadri said addressing farmers at a field demonstration in Kety Khero, district Naushahro Feroze.

Initially 25 sprinkler plants are being installed in Sindh, he said adding that the Sindh has taken lead in introduction of this high efficiency irrigation system. The Secretary said that these high efficiency irrigation machines save water and cost of electricity and diesel up to 60 percent and increase productivity up to 100 percent.

The federal government is also coming up with mega project for sprinkler and drip irrigation, the cost of which is estimated as Rs 12,000 million, of which Rs 3,500 million are expected to be spent in Sindh. The Secretary said that Agriculture Department is also providing a number of agriculture implements to farmers at 50 percent subsidy.

These implements include Wheat Thresher, Wheat Seed drill, Cotton drill, bed shaper/planter, Rotavator, Zeero tillage drill, Ridger, Disc harrow, Disc plow, boom sprayer, MB plow laser leveler etc.