DERA ISMAIL KHAN – The Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP), in partnership with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), successfully completed a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on the Operation and Maintenance of Drip Irrigation Systems and Agricultural Technologies at the Government Technical Vocational Center (GTVC).
The training aimed to equip TEVTA faculty with essential skills in modern agricultural practices. This initiative addresses the region’s urgent water management and governance challenges, where efficient water use is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The course focused on teaching participants how to operate and maintain high-efficiency irrigation systems like drip irrigation, which is essential for improving water productivity, increasing farm household incomes, and enhancing livelihoods.
The training, which engaged 25 participants (16 men and nine women), including engineers and diploma holders, was designed to address the knowledge gap in managing modern irrigation technologies. TEVTA DI Khan has become the first institution in Pakistan to establish a Hydraulic and Drip Irrigation Lab through USAID support, a significant milestone in advancing vocational training in the country.
Dr. Azeem Ali Shah, Chief of Party at WMfEP, highlighted the significance of such initiatives during his speech. He stated, “This initiative will not only empower local communities by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to efficiently manage their water resources, but it will also contribute to broader socio-economic development. The skills acquired through this initiative will directly result in increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, new business opportunities, and ultimately, stronger livelihoods.”
Mr. Mansoor Qaiser Weha, Managing Director of TEVTA KP, commended the training outcomes and announced plans for further collaboration. He expressed, “We are immensely proud to be the first facility in Pakistan to offer this specialized training, thanks to IWMI and USAID for their support. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, TEVTA will soon introduce a certification course in Drip Irrigation across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This course will enable us to reach more young farmers and technicians, ultimately supporting Pakistan’s national development goals.”
Pakistan encounters significant water management challenges, especially in arid regions like the Gomal Zam Dam command area, so this training addresses the urgent need to adopt efficient water use practices. The introduction of drip irrigation systems ensures optimal water utilization, reduces waste, and ensures crops receive the right amount of hydration. This technology, combined with the practical skills imparted during the training, empowers farmers and technicians to operate and maintain systems that significantly enhance crop yields, thereby contributing to national food security.
Furthermore, by enhancing local capacity through vocational training centres like TEVTA, this initiative guarantees that knowledge is retained and continuously passed on to future generations of farmers and technicians. This enables the community to be self-sufficient in managing modern agricultural technologies, driving innovation, and building resilience against climate change and water scarcity challenges.
The training is part of USAID’s broader goal to promote water governance and efficient management of water resources, particularly in areas facing acute water scarcity, like the Gomal Zam Dam command area. By empowering local educators and farmers, the WMfEP aims to create long-term solutions for water productivity, contributing to a stable and prosperous Pakistan. Through the collaboration of USAID, IWMI, and TEVTA, this training is expected to have lasting impacts by addressing immediate technical challenges and strengthening institutions to disseminate this knowledge across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.