Indus Basin Water demand is rising but the water is becoming scarce. Mostly Pakistan’s terrain is semi arid or arid; 90% of agriculture, food and fiber are dependent on Indus water. It provides almost 50 to 60% direct employments to the people associated with agriculture. Cash crops and livestock are among major foreign exchange earning sources and main contributors of GDP. Majority of the people in agriculture sector have been counted below the poverty line during last 50 years and found in miserable conditions without enjoying basic facilities such as drinking water and sanitations.
Instead of water conservation measures, water losses in the irrigation system continue to reach 75% of the total available water. Opposition to the construction of new dams has decreased the storage capacity up to the limited period of one month. This situation has made Pakistan a water stressed country; if the situation continues, it will become water scarce country in the very near future. Water value and increase in productivity has never been recognized in Pakistan. Canal water irrigation is almost free (Rs 200/acre) and the water for domestic uses in the urban areas is provided on the minimum rates. To combat the expected water scarcity, water conservation and food security are the major issues of concern.
At present in comparison to neighboring countries India and China, Pakistan is producing three to five times less food grains. Increase in productivity can be achieved through policy interventions, better management and introduction of new technological advancements. Comprehensive set of water laws could be defined to protect landless farmers. Subsidies in agriculture have only benefited the owners. During last ten years land prices have been increased many folds, so the land lords are getting benefits without any increase in the productivity. Strategy and programming needs to develop new agro-climatic zones instead of the provisional boundaries. Technological improvement in agricultural, “more crop per drop” practices, irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation, pollution control measures could be the basic steps to go with the challenges.