ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER USE EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CROPS IN PAKISTAN: EVIDENCE FROM BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE

Abstract

Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, and most of its population depends on agriculture. It has an arid/semi-arid climate with frequent drought and dry spells. Almost half of the cultivated area is irrigated, and the primary source of irrigation is groundwater. Indus water available in Balochistan remains underutilized. Drought and tube well subsidy and other factors have resulted in over-exploited groundwater and unsustainable groundwater table. This situation affects agriculture, hence the livelihood of the residents. The study focused on analyzing the impact of using groundwater for irrigation on agricultural productivity and farmer’s livelihood in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. For this purpose, five villages were randomly selected from the district Quetta, where groundwater was the only source for irrigation. In each village, 20 farmers were interviewed through well-structured and pre-tested questionnaires. For each significant crop cultivated in the area, ‘Water Productivity’ was measured as Yield ⁄ Volume of water required in cubic meter/acre, ‘Crop Profitability’ was analyzed using ‘Benefit-Cost Ratio’ and ‘Impact of Groundwater Use on Gross Value Product’s was estimated using double log model. Results revealed that the net revenue generated from cropping was Rs. 32168 per month, whereas the monthly household expenditure of the farmers was Rs.33960, on average. Cropping alone cannot sustain the households’ livelihoods. With net income from livestock and non-farm income, farmers can meet their monthly household expenditure. Results of BCR show that all the crops are profitable, but this profitability is at the expense of over-fetching scarce groundwater. Wheat is the only crop with more than 1.19 kg/meter water productivity. Crops’ water productivity may decline if the water table keeps reducing. GVP of wheat and maize is negatively affected by the cost of groundwater. Cost sensitivity can be decreased if cost-efficient methods of irrigation are available. The government should regularize groundwater use through proper legislation and provide infrastructure/incentives for using other sources of water for irrigation as well. Availability of good quality seed to farmers should be ensured to enhance crop yield.