Efficient irrigation — Pakistan’s missed opportunity

Water has undeniably emerged as the primary limiting factor for both intensification (increasing cropping intensity) and extensification (expanding cultivated land) of Pakistan’s agriculture. This pressing reality has been highlighted yet again by the recent controversy between the federal government and Sindh over the proposed Cholistan Canal project aimed at reclaiming the barren land of the Cholistan desert (in Punjab) for cultivation. Pakistan’s water resources are rapidly dwindling due to inadequate surface water storage, silting of existing reservoirs, and declining groundwater levels. The challenge is further exacerbated for farmers by the rising costs of pumping (groundwater) due to skyrocketing prices of electricity and petroleum products. Furthermore, water demand continues to rise due to population explosion and mounting food insecurity. As a result, the country is steadily approaching a severe water crisis.