The issue of scarcity of water seems to have taken a back seat in both the federal and provincial governments, even though the agriculture and livestock sectors provide employment to 45 per cent of the population along with generating raw material for numerous industries.
Figures released in the Economic Survey of Pakistan indicate that availability of irrigation water has declined over the last two years. Quoting figures from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), the survey declared that water levels have been dropping at an average rate of 9.95 per cent per year over the last decade.
The survey indicates that the quantity of water available for Kharif in the fiscal year 2010-2011 was 21 per cent less than the last fiscal year and 20 per cent less than its nominal quantity. However, the water available during Rabi season in the fiscal year 2010-2011 was 38 per cent more than the quantity available last year and five per cent lower than its nominal quantity.
Agriculture and irrigation experts believe that, if developed properly, agriculture in Pakistan can not only meet the country’s domestic needs but also improve the country’s trade deficit through the export goods in the international market where food prices are on the rise. The water situation in the agriculture sector is analogous to the shortage of electricity currently plaguing the industry of Pakistan. They urged the government to focus on water management.
Speaking to Pakistan Today, Agri Forum Pakistan Chairman Ibrahim Mughal underscored that government machinery has wasted billion of rupees in the last decade, without any improvement in the irrigation system. He blamed all state institutions, including Ministry of Water and Power, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and irrigation departments, for the water crisis in the country.
He estimated that if the government did not pay heed to the water scarcity issue the country would not have a single drop of water available for irrigation or drinking. However, former Indus Water Commissioner Syed Jamat Ali Shah believes that the water situation is not out of control yet and the country would have water available for irrigation for the next couple of decades.
Shah said that water levels were dropping around the globe owing to climate change, population rise and mismanagement. He added that though there was no immediate threat to Pakistan, the government needs to address the water shortage issue immediately.
Former Federal Minister for Industries and Production Jahangir Khan Tareen underlined that a water shortage would be the worst crisis in the history of the country. He said that every year farmers are wasting about 30 million acre feet (MAF) of water owing to poor farming practices and lack of research and development in irrigation and agriculture.
Agriculture and irrigation experts stress better management of water for growth in agricultural sector however they have yet to see any policy initiatives from the government.
