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Pakistan

Understanding the prevailing policy scenario on canal system-based irrigation in Pakistan

 

A multi-stakeholder webinar titled ‘Understanding the prevailing policy scenario on canal system-based irrigation in Pakistan’ was organized on November 7, 2024. Supported by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) and organized by the South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE) in association with the Progyan Foundation for Research and Innovation (PFRI), the webinar served as a vital regional platform for identifying the policy-practice gaps with respect to the canal-based irrigation in coastal Pakistan.
The event brought together leading academics, scientists, and development practitioners from Pakistan and India to discuss region-specific experiences, policy shortfalls, and opportunities for mainstreaming climate-resilient agriculture in coastal Pakistan.

 

Coastal farmers have reported acute water shortages caused by upstream diversions, with documented thefts of 1,200–2,800 cusecs from main canals, forcing the abandonment of large areas of coastal farmland.

A canal delivery efficiency of only 35–40% from head to root zone has resulted in significant conveyance losses in coastal districts.

Water Users’ Associations have emphasized the urgent need for dependable drainage infrastructure in Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal to address waterlogging and salinization intensified by tidal influences.

Experts highlighted the fragmentation created by dual management under Area Water Boards and provincial irrigation departments, which undermines policy coherence in coastal command areas.

Experts highlighted the importance of linking canal operation and maintenance budgets to abiana revenues to ensure the sustainable upkeep of coastal irrigation infrastructure.

A dedicated coastal irrigation task force is required to align the seawater intrusion control objectives of the National Water Policy with actual canal operations on the ground.

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