The Asian Development Bank has approved three major development projects worth $381 million to strengthen agriculture, education and healthcare systems in Punjab. These investments are aimed at accelerating economic growth in Pakistan’s most populous and economically vital province, which contributes more than half of the country’s population and economic output.
ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said that strategic investment in education, health and agricultural mechanisation will play a transformative role in Punjab’s long term development. The funding package is designed to modernise key sectors, strengthen human capital and improve livelihoods for millions of residents across urban and rural areas.
The largest agriculture initiative includes a $120 million concessional loan and a $4 million grant for the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project. The programme will benefit over 220,000 rural farm households, promote disaster resilient farming and provide alternative livelihoods, including technical training for 15,000 women.
Punjab, which produces 75 percent of Pakistan’s wheat and over 90 percent of its maize, continues to face heavy losses due to outdated farming equipment. The project will introduce modern machinery, reduce harmful crop residue burning and help cut air pollution by promoting efficient harvesting technologies.
ADB has also approved $107 million for the Responsive, Ready and Resilient STEM Secondary Education Programme in Punjab. The project includes a $7 million grant and a $100 million concessional loan, and aims to modernise science and technology education, improving access to high quality learning for students across the province.
In the health sector, a $150 million concessional loan has been approved for the Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Programme. The initiative will upgrade nursing education, establish three centres of excellence in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, expand digital learning and help meet both national and international demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
