Mega irrigation projects always bring problems, and sometimes it is not easy to solve them. In countries like Pakistan, the total annual cost of crop losses from salinity has been estimated at between 15 and 55 billion rupees (Rs) per year. This is in addition to the Rs15 billion estimated to have been lost from the land that has been rendered unproductive.
Drainage is extremely important in Sindh province; however, because of the lack of management and maintenance, not only have dug drainage canals collapsed, but also natural drainage canals were blocked either by farmers or the government. Sometimes the government constructs railways or roads, or farmers construct their houses exactly on natural drainage canals and build roads, walls, etc… That is one of the main reasons why, during 2010 and 2011, flood damage increased. Today, local people are still facing damage from the flooding.
In Sukkur, the local government dug an open drainage canal, and under pressure of the farmers, local authorities operate it regularly. Thanks to this simple drainage network in the area crop productivity has increased, and soil condition has changed significantly.
This short video shows that if the government reopens drainage canals and improves the maintenance, the farmers will have more yield.
More info:
Produced by: TheWaterChannel
Language: Sindhi with English subtitles
Year: 2014
Region: South Asia
