Ahmed Khan Malik

The Winder Dam project in Lasbela district of Balochistan will help enhance the region's agricultural economy and contribute to the province’s socioeconomic development after its expected completion by the end of this year.

According to irrigation department officials, the dam is a strategic initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity and boosting agricultural productivity. Winder and its surrounding areas near the city of Hub hold significant economic potential. Cropping, horticulture, fruit farming and animal husbandry are the primary land use activities in the area while fishing along the coast is an important economic activity.

The economy of the area is largely based on the production of fruits, crops and the intake from fishes. Plantation facilities on fruit farms and crop cultivation through irrigation are important features. The use of rangeland for herded livestock is also very important. Conditions of economic activities are gradually improving but the region is still backward as compared to other parts of Pakistan.

“Winder area has been found to be very promising for agricultural activities. Positive change in the use of agriculture land was detected from the satellite images of different periods. The adoption of modern technology and government incentives have significantly boosted agricultural development,” Sohail Qambrani, Director of the Irrigation Department, told WealthPK.

He said that the project was inaugurated a few years ago. The dam is designed to store approximately 54,000 acre-feet of water, which will be utilised for irrigation and other purposes.

Speaking about the irrigation potential, Qambrani said that upon completion, the dam will irrigate over 10,000 acres of previously barren land in Winder area and its surroundings, transforming them into fertile agricultural zones. “In addition to irrigation benefits, the dam will generate 0.3 megawatts of electricity, contributing to the local power supply.”

Talking about the economic and agricultural impact, he said that the introduction of a reliable water source through the Winder Dam is expected to revolutionise agriculture in the region, and with consistent irrigation, farmers can cultivate high-value crops, leading to increased agricultural yields and profitability.

He said that the expansion of agricultural activities is anticipated to create job opportunities, thereby improving the livelihoods of local communities. In addition, the dam's water storage and seepage will help raise groundwater levels, ensuring a sustainable water supply for future agricultural and domestic use.

He said that the project has been prioritised by the provincial government, and upon completion, it is expected to bring about a green revolution in the province, transforming the agricultural landscape of Lasbela district and contributing to the overall economic uplift of the region.

Credit: INP-WealthPk