DSC makes 33,000 acres land cultivable in two years in Rawalpindi region.

RAWALPINDI -- With the construction of reservoirs and soil erosion controlling structures, nearly 33,000 acres land was made cultivable in last two years in Rawalpindi region. The Directorate of Soil Conservation (DSC) Rawalpindi region has made all out efforts to help boost agricultural productivity, said Director DSC, Malik Ghulam Akbar. He told reporter, 'Fish and cattle farming businesses are now flourishing in the region. The mini-dams and ponds are used to divert water for irrigation and other purposes.'He said, the water stored in the mini-dams was also being utilized for vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Fish farming was introduced in the region which had become an additional source of income for the farmers.

All interventions of soil and water conservation were benefiting the farmers, he said.

He informed that the DSC, Rawalpindi region constructed 105 mini-dams in the Potohar region during the last two years. 205 ponds, 40 storage tanks, 148 gabion spurs and 30 earthen bunds were also constructed.A total 1,507 structures, including 337 gully plugging, 353 water disposal outlets and 298 retaining walls, were constructed in the region during the financial years 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Nearly 80pc subsidy was provided to the farmers for the completion of these schemes, he added.

The construction of the mini-dams and ponds also developed positive environmental effects. The underground water table was rising up with more employment opportunities for the residents, he said and informed that the department also planted saplings on 334.50 acres.

To a question, the official said earlier the department had constructed over

1,200 mini-dams. A mini-dam is...