By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The European Union on Friday announced to provide Euro 58 million to support the Government of Balochistan in its efforts to address water scarcity and improve access and quality of primary and middle-level education in the province.
The announcement follows the signing of two new financing agreements by Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs Noor Ahmed and Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara.
EU Ambassador Androulla Kaminara while talking to reporters said, “These new programmes are the result of a sustained collaboration between the European Union, the Government of Balochistan, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs to tackle the substantial development challenges in the province and unleash its potential.” She reiterated commitment of European Union to broaden and deepen the development cooperation with Pakistan, and to launch next Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-27 which will primarily be focused on priorities of the Government of Pakistan.
EU envoy said that Balochistan is one of the regions of Pakistan at greater risk from climate change, which threatens livelihoods. It also considering the socioeconomic impact of Covid-19, it is crucial to invest in low water agriculture to reduce poverty and malnutrition.In the education sector, she said ” The EU is renewing its commitment to helping children, especially the most vulnerable, to receive an education and be able to follow their dreams, contributing to a better future for Pakistan.”
She disclosed that the five-year Euro 40 Million programme on water governance – to be implemented from 2021 – will contribute to the transition in the arid regions of Balochistan towards sustainable, low water intensive agricultural and livestock farming systems.
The support will include incentives for farmers to use water more efficiently and unleash the potential of livestock by supporting sustainable range lands management, with a special focus on the most vulnerable groups, she added. The funding will not only contribute to improved productivity by making better use of scarce water resources, but also help improve groundwater recharge in the medium to long-term.
It will also focus on strengthening public extension services to ensure farmers receive appropriate support on water for agriculture and livestock.
