Pakistani government is seeking the help of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to financially support mega hydropower generation and agriculture related developmental projects. Water and Power Development Authority said that the country was in dire need of hydropower generation to meet the growing demand. Such projects include Diamer Basha dam, Rohri hydro power project, Kurram Tangi dam, Neelum Jhelum hydro electric project, Allai Khawar hydro power project.
Once these projects are completed, the government would be able to overcome power shortfall and it would also help the government to overcome water shortfall particularly for agriculture purposes.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture secretary informed the ADB team to assist the government in improving agriculture infrastructures particularity storage facility, availability of better seeds, processing of agriculture produce and irrigation system of the country.
The ADB Vice President Xiaoyu Zhao said that the ADB would try its level best to assist the government in various development projects. However, Zhao said that final decision would be taken after proper consultation with in the bank high officials. Zhao said We can double Pakistan’s assistance up to $3 billion per annum provided Islamabad makes a request in this regard as well as the funding available to ADB also increases.