Amid growing climate challenges and a rapidly expanding population, Pakistan must prioritize the improvement of its canal and irrigation systems, according to a report by WealthPK.
“The country’s agricultural sector, a crucial component of the economy, heavily depends on these systems. However, outdated infrastructure and inefficient water management have left the sector vulnerable to climate change impacts such as unpredictable rainfall, water shortages, and flooding,” said Associate Prof. M. Ibrahim of Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, in an interview with WealthPK.
Pakistan’s irrigation system, one of the largest globally, sustains nearly 90% of its agricultural production. Despite its scale, the system struggles with inefficiencies caused by siltation, aging canal structures, and poorly maintained watercourses.
Prof. Ibrahim warned that without immediate modernization, Pakistan could face significant setbacks in agricultural productivity, worsening food insecurity and economic instability. He emphasized that the current irrigation infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the increasing variability in water availability due to climate change. “To protect our agricultural output, we must invest in modernizing canal networks, improving water distribution systems, and adopting advanced irrigation techniques,” he added.
Upgrading the canal and irrigation systems would not only ensure better water distribution but also strengthen the resilience of Pakistan’s agriculture to climate-induced pressures. By implementing more efficient water management practices, such as drip irrigation and laser land leveling, Pakistan can minimize water wastage and provide crops with the necessary water, especially during droughts.
One particularly promising method is drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes and pipes. This method conserves water and maximizes efficiency, making it especially useful in regions with irregular rainfall.
Prof. Ibrahim urged the government to increase investment in irrigation infrastructure, including rehabilitating existing canals and constructing new ones. He also stressed the importance of greater collaboration between federal and provincial authorities to ensure the effective implementation of water management policies.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate farmers about the benefits of modern irrigation techniques and water conservation. Providing farmers with access to affordable technology and training will be key to widespread adoption of these practices.
The Sindh government is also working to restore natural waterways to manage rainwater disposal in light of the 2022 floods and the ongoing effects of climate change.
In a recent meeting with the Netherlands ambassador, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the need to enhance the canal system, irrigation network, and drainage infrastructure to mitigate the damage caused by flash floods and riverine flooding.
