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PESHAWAR, Nov 25 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is set to revise the existing structure of canal water usage fees after key policy decisions were taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Irrigation Riaz Khan on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Chairman DDAC Buner Kabir Khan, senior officials of the Irrigation Department and technical experts.
During the session, officials briefed the minister on proposed updates to irrigation charges for various categories, said a press release.
It was agreed that water rates for major cash crops, including sugarcane, sugar beet, cotton and oilseeds, would be revised in accordance with water flow requirements and prevailing agricultural conditions.
The meeting also decided to introduce separate tariff structures for other crops, commercial water consumers and brick kilns, ensuring a more transparent and equitable fee system.
The charges for lift irrigation schemes and tube wells will also undergo reassessment to better reflect operational costs while remaining within the financial reach of farmers.
The minister emphasized that the revised rates must provide meaningful relief to the farming community, while enabling the Irrigation Department to maintain effective service delivery and stable revenue generation.
It was further directed that the final schedule of rates be prepared after thorough consideration of ground realities and the economic challenges faced by growers.
The minister also stressed the need for comprehensive stakeholder consultation prior to the approval of the new rates, ensuring that the policy reflects the needs and concerns of all relevant sectors.
Speaking at the meeting, Riaz Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the irrigation system, promoting efficient water use and safeguarding the interests of farmers.
He said enhancing transparency in revenue collection and modernizing the canal network remain key priorities of the provincial administration.