Abstract:
The primary objective of this paper is to discuss issues related to the water allocation and cropping patterns at various levels of the canal commands of the Indus Basin irrigation system and their impact on the development of agriculture in the country. The population of the country with an average annual growth rate of 3. 06 percent is expected to be 148 million in the year 1999-2000. To feed this growing population, the crop production must increase to meet the nutritional requirements. The study concluded that increased cropping intensities, decreasing size of land holding, industrial use of agricultural land; changing waterlogging, soil salinity and groundwater salinity conditions, increased water diversions from storage reservoirs, varying groundwater extraction and recharge activities in different canal commands and the advancement in water management technologies certainly demand for optimal water allocation among canal, distributary and watercourse commands. The water allocation based on historical rights does not seem to be a useful preposition any more. It mu% be reviewed conjunctively with usable groundwater potential. Management policies should be directed to demand oriented water allocation on scientific basis, improving efficiency and agricultural production rather than increasing competition for more water. Establishment of a Canal Monitoring and Management Cell at canal command level, Private Tubewell Industry and Farm Water Reservoirs at watercourse level have been recommended for improving water supplies and cropping patterns at canal commands.
Page(s):
35-53
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Water Resources, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 1995