The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $200 million loan for the development of an irrigation system in Punjab province in Pakistan that will help increase agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
According to a statement issued by the Manilla-based financial institution, the project loan, which is denominated in Japanese yen, will finance the construction of the second branch or Choubara system of the Greater Thal Canal irrigation scheme.
“The scheme will provide reliable irrigation water supply to 704,000 hectares of land in Bhakkar, Jhang, Khushab, Layyah, and Muzaffargarh districts, making them more agriculturally productive,” it said.
The government had earlier constructed the main canal and the first branch or Mankera system.