The main limiting factor for increasing agricultural production is inadequate availability of irrigation water at the farm gate. Situation is further aggravated due to unreliability & inequity in the water supply. The primary and secondary canals of the irrigation system of the Indus Basin are looked after by Provincial Irrigation Department, whereas the construction of tertiary channels (commonly called watercourse) and their operation and maintenance is the sole responsibility of the farmers. Because of inadequate knowledge and financial resources, these century old watercourses have deteriorated, resulting in excessive conveyance losses to the tune of over 50%. Although sanctions are provided under Canal and Drainage Act, 1863, to ensure adequate maintenance of the watercourses by the farmers, but these are seldom enforced.
Various research studies have been conducted to study the extent of conveyance losses in the watercourses and to develop new water management techniques with a view to minimizing these losses. Results of the research studies conducted reveal that the conveyance losses through the watercourses range from 46% to 56%. The application losses in the field were also studied and it was found that these vary from 20% to 30% in all irrigated areas of Pakistan.
Realizing the huge conveyance and application losses in the irrigation system at the farm level, Government launched a five years pilot project called On Farm Water Management (OFWM) in the country in 1976-77 with the assistance of US-AID. The pilot project was successfully completed in June, 1981. Following the success of the pilot project, a number of SCARP, Drainage, Irrigation and Agriculture Projects were launched in the country having OFWM a compulsory component.
Functions:
- Organization and registration of Water Users Association under the On-Farm Water Management and Users association Ordinance 1981 for promotion of water course improvement and other water management activities in the district
- Preparation and implementation of water management development plans in the district
- Watercourse improvement, precision land leveling, irrigation agronomy practices, groundwater management and implementation of HEIS in the district
- Renting of agricultural machinery at approved rates
- Service matters relating to the district cadre
- Maintenance of government buildings
- Purchase of stores and capital goods
- Feedback to Provincial Agriculture Department on all the above, mentioned business, as per time to time instructions