World Bank-backed Punjab agriculture project hits 70% disbursement milestone

The World Bank–financed Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (PRIAT) Project has been rated satisfactory for both implementation progress and achievement of development objectives in its latest Implementation Status and Results Report.

The $204.44 million project, financed through the International Development Association and implemented by the Punjab Department of Agriculture, is more than halfway through its lifecycle, with disbursements reaching $139.87 million, or nearly 70% of the revised project amount.

The report assigns a “Satisfactory” rating for overall performance and progress toward development objectives, while the overall risk rating remains “Moderate.” The project focuses on improving equitable access to agricultural water, increasing water productivity, and raising farm incomes.

Since becoming effective in November 2022, PRIAT has supported the rehabilitation and improvement of over 5,560 watercourses, achieving 71% of the revised end target. The upgrades have improved irrigation efficiency, particularly for farmers at the tail end of watercourses who typically face unreliable water supplies.

According to the report, water availability at the tail end of watercourses has increased by 41%, contributing to improved crop performance and fewer disputes among water users.

The project has also supported the installation of high-efficiency irrigation systems across more than 8,048 hectares, reaching 50% of the targeted area. These systems include drip and sprinkler irrigation and aim to reduce water losses and energy use.

PRIAT was approved by the World Bank Board on July 15, 2022, and is scheduled to close on June 30, 2027.