Community Spate Irrigation

Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network

The initiative for the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network was discussed in January 2007 . For the concept document – please click here.

At present (2010) several activities are undertaken to strengthen the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network, in particular the development of data base of spate practioners, the preparation of information material - ao in the shape of a series of Practical Notes on spate irrigation in Pakistan and the preparation of a national workshop. This is done with support of the World Bank and the Royal Netherland Embassy.

A 7 day training package on spate irrigation has also been prepared, bringing together experiences on spate irrigation in Pakistan and other countries – the CD with the modules can be ordered (free of charge) through info@metameta.nl or download them from the relevant section of this website. This will be updated and made available as curriculum material.

Also a popular book on Spate Irrigation (working title The Dry Side of the Indus) to be published by Vanguard is under preparation by Rina Saeed Khan and Frank van Steenbergen.

Persons who are interested to join the incipient Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network are invited to do so via the Spate Irrigation Network section on this website.

Background: Spate Irrigation in Pakistan

The area under spate irrigation (called rodh kohi in NWFP and Punjab, sailaba in Balochistan and nai in Sindh) in Pakistan is very substantial and by most reliable estimate it is 1.4 M ha – or equivalent to 9% of the entire irrigated area in Pakistan. It covers the entire or major portions of the cultivable land in the districts of DI Khan, Tank, Kohat, Laki Marwat, Bannu (NWFP), DG Khan, Rajanpur, Mianwali (Punjab), Kacchi, Sibi, Jal Magsi, Qila Saifullah, Lorelai, Musakhel, Barkhan, Las Bela (Balochistan), Dadu, Larkana, Jamshoro, Karachi and Thatta (Sindh).

This 1.4 M ha is also the area where there is widespread poverty, probably more than any other single area in Pakistan. This is related to the uncertainty that is inherent to spate irrigation, the absence of reliable drinking water supply and the marginal location of spate areas in all four provinces. Periods of drought are part of spate irrigation, they cause hardship and even the temporary depopulation of areas. The spate areas have high infant mortality, low literacy and school attendance and tensions between landlords and (hereditary) tenants.

In spite of the size of the area under spate irrigation and its importance in poverty alleviation, the area is very much neglected and almost invisible in programs and policies of government and civil society. There has in several parts been a steady deterioration in water management, bringing the areas in a downward spiral. This deterioration is manifest in the construction of unauthorized water diversions, the silting up of the flood channels and the development of gullies distorting the hydraulics. In addition there has been a deterioration in forestry resources, rangelands and livestock material.

There are however considerable opportunities to revive/ improve the productivity of the spate irrigated areas. Crop yields of the main spate irrigated crops in Pakistan (sorghum, millet, wheat, pulses) are low compared to international figures, whereas improved grain storage can reduce losses that are now at 6-20%. The spate areas are probably the most suitable area in the country for the cultivation of oilseeds. In addition there are a number of very promising crops to be developed by demonstration and improved marketing and processing, such as guar and sesame. Then there are promising minor crops – from area-specific vegetables and medicinal plants to truffle mushrooms. There is scope to improve forest production – either along river banks or in special fenced plots in the outwash areas. Livestock is an important and stable source of income and spate areas have produced important species, such as Bagh Nari, Sindhi Red Bull and Loghari Goat and Sheep. There is considerable potential scope to improve livestock production by improving indigenous stock, improved fodder and feed (such as molasse blocks and urea treatment) as well as rangeland management. Much more can be done to ameliorate drinking water supply by improved clay or plastic lined drinking water ponds for humans and livestock. Water management has been problematic. There has by the introduction and subsequent withdrawal of free/ subsidized earth moving equipment, resulting in a decline of local institutions. At the same time the effective co-management system of local government (under Revenue Department) and farmers that ensured the regulation and timely construction of the earthen structures (kamara) has eroded for a number of reasons, one of which is the changed powers of local government under devolution. As mentioned the basis for – water management has been in decline but there can be many low cost high impact improvements, such as reinforced earthen diversion bunds, fixed canal intakes, bed sills, gully plugs, field intakes and overflow structures . A number of these interventions have been undertaken recently in some areas at considerable benefits.

For an advocacy statement on spate irrigation, prepared at the initiative meeting of the Spate Irrigation Network, please click here.