Importance of farm water management in Pakistan, field report No. 2

These studies have all emphasized the necessity of controlling waterlogging and salinity and of increasing irrigation water supplies. The rationale on which all these studies have been based in that most (63 to 85 percent) of the water delivered to the canal outlet (mogha) is stored in the farmer"s field and used by the crop. Studies over the world have suggested that such efficiencies may average nearer 40 percent and will frequently be lower. Data from field observations of farmer practices and water-course losses in Pakistan suggest that in SCARP areas this efficiency may average as low as 12 percent. Thus, there is great need in Pakistan for a program to improve on-farm water management in order to repress waterlogging and salinity as well as to provide more water for increased crop production. A number of practices that will improve on-farm water management are suggested.