The Effect of Cotton Management Practices on Water Use Efficiency and Water Security Challenges in Pakistan

Abstract

This research was carried out in cotton producing areas of Punjab province to investigate water security challenges faced by farmers. The investigation focused on how various cotton production management practices influence irrigation application and subsequent water use efficiency. Although cotton was making significant contribution to rural economies, the inefficient cotton production management practices added to water losses. Cotton farming was characterized by excessive use of irrigation water. It was found that there is much scope for improving financial return by improving water use efficiency in Pakistan. Particularly in Punjab, it is feasible to improve the irrigation water use efficiency by at least 14%. A disproportionate ground water extraction for irrigation has also caused perilously deeper water table. Moreover, inefficient management practices in cotton also result in water losses which leads to substantial degradation of biodiversity, freshwater irrigation resources, and other ecosystem services. The farmers in Pakistan generally apply irrigation through flood irrigation to uneven bunded cropland which result in longer time for irrigating a field, over-irrigation, and lower water productivity. Policy recommendations are made to improve the water use efficiency of cotton through improvements in several management practices. These are applicable to Pakistan and other south Asian countries producing cotton under similar climatic conditions.