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Lahore: Water scarcity is increasing in Pakistan, the availability of water in the agricultural sector is less than 800 cubic meters.
Experts say that modern methods of irrigation, including drip irrigation, have emphasized the need to use devices that help achieve more production with less water, including laser land living.
Experts also say that farmers in water-scarce areas need to grow crops that use less water.
A project is being worked on in Okara with the support of International Water Management Institute to promote smart agriculture and check the level and quality of underground water. Journalists were visited by International Water Management Institute. And a briefing was given regarding the project.
Dr. Habibullah Habib, Director Water Management Research Farm, Renala Khurd, says there is a need to create awareness about climate smart agriculture and environmental pollution. He said that the agricultural sector is being affected by the increasing scarcity of water. With the support of international organizations, such devices have been introduced with the help of which good production can be achieved even with less water. Technology is also now available in Pakistan for uniform delivery of fertilizers and other inputs of cultivation along with water.
He emphasized on the laser leveling of the land before the cultivation of crops and said that with this method the water demand is halved.
Dr. Jahanzeb Masood Cheema, a researcher at the International Water Management Institute, shed light on the UK’s water governance programme. He said that through this program, modern equipment has been introduced in Okara district, which will promote wise use of water in the agriculture sector and increase agricultural production, modern soil moisture testing equipment underground. Advanced sensors are installed to monitor the water level and quality. This modern device provides farmers with information regarding crop irrigation.
Assistant Director Water Resource Zone Irrigation Department Sahiwal, Muhammad Hasnain Abbas said that the tail area of Lower Bari Doab Canal which falls in Tehsil Jahanian District Khanewal has shortage of canal water and water quality is also poor. Residents of the canal tail area should adopt water-conserving practices in agriculture to maximize production from the currently available water, farmers should plant crops that produce more with less water use.
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