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298 the lands already under cultivation and to control seasonal floods for irrigation as well as generating electricity. At present the construction of the following dams and canals have been taken into consideration :— Estimated cost. Jalalabad Canal 162 million Afghanis. Palto Dam, Katawaz 60-70 ’’ ’’ Sardah Dam, Kandahar 50-64 ’’ ’’ Kharwar Dam, Lohgar 24-357 ’’ ’’ Canal and Dam of Kunduz 163-744 ’’ ’’ Canal and Dam of Kokcha 506-250 ’’ ’’ Dam of Machalghou 40-500 ’’ ’’ Helmand Valley Project 1064-880 ’’ ’’ A sum of 38,653 million Afghanis and 10.475 million dollars is earmarked for the improvement of the quality of seeds and plants. Another 9,623 million Afghanis and 0.671 million dollars will be spent to improve the live stock, especially the Karakul sheep and Marinos. To combat animal and plant diseases the Government intends to spend a further sum of 51,617 millon Afghanis and 0·388 million dollars The outlay for these multifarious purposes (irrigation, supply of better seeds and fertilizers, improvement of animal husbandry, etc.) works out at 46·06 per cent of the budget. Next to agriculture great importance is attached to communica- tion. It is certain that any social, cultural, industrial or economic development in Afghanistan is dependent on an adequate transportation system. In the development of such an adequate system, a programme of road improvement and maintenance is of prime importance. The present road system, virtually a circle round the country, comprises about 4,000