Physical and socio-economic dynamics of a watercourse in Pakistan"s Punjab : system constraints and farmers" responses

RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM THIS STUDY ARE: 1) FARMERS IN PAKISTAN MUST BE INFORMED OF WATERCOURSE LOSSES WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE EXISTING AND IMPROVED SYSTEM: 2) FARMERS NEED TO BE ENCOURAGED TO ORGANIZE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE WATER DELIVERY: 3) AN EFFECTIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM MUST BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE FARMER SUCH AS SEEDS, FERTILIZER, INSECTICIDES, AND KNOWLEDGE FOR IMPROVED CROP PRODUCTION AND PROPER USE OF IRRIGATION WATER: AND 4) LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND POLICY PROCEDURES SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE EXTRA-LEGAL WATER DISTRIBUTION, TO ENHANCE REVENUE COLLECTIONS THROUGH INCREASED WATER RATES, TO REVISE COLLECTION PRACTICES TO REDUCE BRIBES AND EVASION OF REVENUE OWED TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND TO PROTECT EACH FARMER"S WATER SUPPLY WHILE REMAINING FLEXIBLE IN THE LEGALIZATION OF TRADING AND PURCHASE OF TURNS AMONG FARMERS.