KARACHI:
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, supporting 43% of the population and heavily relying on the extensive canal system of the Indus River. This system, established during British rule, was pivotal in transforming Punjab into a thriving agricultural region. Over time, the arable land expanded from 30 to 140 lac acres.
Currently, the canal network irrigates 4 million acres facilitating the cultivation of essential crops such as wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables and sugarcane. However, a lack of regular maintenance and cleaning of the canals has resulted in water scarcity issues and widespread theft. In response, the provincial government announced plans to clean over 11,000 canals in Punjab starting from 26th December. This extensive effort includes repairing edges and embankments and addressing structural cracks. Stringent measures against water theft will be taken to ensure water availability in the canal network.
To ensure the success of these endeavours, it is crucial to involve the entire community. A broader campaign to encourage people to refrain from discarding garbage into the canals must be initiated. This comprehensive approach can revive and maintain the canal system and secure a sustainable future for Pakistan’s agricultural backbone.
Muhammad Amin
Kech
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2023.
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