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Policies to reduce environmental degradation and enhance irrigation and drainage in the Indus Basin of Pakistan

Date

2002-07

Authors

Wilchelns, Dennis, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher

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Abstract

Growth rates in the yields of rice and wheat in the Indus Basin of Pakistan have been declining in recent years, for reasons that include the degradation of soil and water resources. Policies regarding irrigation water, technology, and energy prices have contributed to the resource degradation. This paper describes how agricultural policies influence farm-level irrigation and drainage decisions, while suggesting how those policies might be modified to promote improvements in resource quality and to restore positive rates of growth in crop yields. The paper includes a review of recent literature and data describing irrigation and drainage in the Indus Basin, recent estimates of productivity in the region, and an economic perspective regarding opportunities for enhancing the sustainability of irrigation and drainage activities. Successful implementation of appropriate policies may enhance food security in the region, while improving rural incomes and supporting economic growth and development in Pakistan.

Description

Presented at the 2002 USCID/EWRI conference, Energy, climate, environment and water - issues and opportunities for irrigation and drainage on July 9-12 in San Luis Obispo, California.

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