Improving farm water management in Pakistan

THERE IS, HOWEVER, LITTLE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ABOUT AND THUS LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF THAT PORTION OF THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM UNDER THE FARMER"S CONTROL. THIS IS THE PORTION FROM THE CANAL OUTLET (MOGHA) THROUGH THE IRRIGATED FIELD, WHICH IS MANAGED BY THE FARMER WITH LITTLE OR NO GOVERNMENTAL ASSISTANCE. A DESCRIPTION OF THIS FARMER-OPERATED SYSTEM, THE REASONS FOR ITS PRESENT CONDITION, AN EVALUATION OF ITS PROBLEMS, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT ARE OFFERED IN THIS REPORT WITH THE HOPE THAT THROUGH BETTER WATER MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTION WILL BE INCREASED. TOWARD THIS END, FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE AND DISCUSSED: 1) RESEARCH PROGRAMS DEALING WITH ON-FARM WATER MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY. 2) CONJUNCTIVE USES OF GROUND AND SURFACE WATERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED. 3) A NATIONAL PROGRAM OF PRECISION LAND-LEVELING SHOULD BE LAUNCHED. 4) WATERCOURSES SHOULD BE REHABILITATED FOR MORE EFFECTIVE FIELD DELIVERY, AND 5) RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR WATER DELIVERY TO THE FARMER SHOULD BE REVIEWED.