Canal controversy

The recent proposal to dig six new canals aimed at irrigating lands in Punjab has ignited widespread protests across Sindh, uniting political parties, civil society groups and nationalist organisations in vehement opposition. While the canals would significantly increase arable land availability in Punjab, opponents of the canals have rightfully noted that they would further deprive the southern province of water, causing damage not only to agriculture, but also to ecology. Historically, Sindh has seen its share of water and resources dwindle, leading to deep-rooted grievances among its populace. While there are also other factors at play, Punjab has used its reputation as the nation's bread basket and most populous province to go ahead with initiatives that are guaranteed to reduce water availability for Sindh.

But Sindh - and Pakistan - have water problems that go far beyond half-a-dozen canals. Pakistan has one of the least efficient water networks in the world, with water waste estimated at 50% to over 90% of the total available supply, depending on the calculation method. While the government keeps urging city dwellers to save every drop of water, it wastes millions of gallons through malfeasance and ineptitude. Instead of carving out new canals, the government needs to improve the efficiency of existing waterways and push for a massive shift in crop selection. While cotton and sugar are undeniably valuable and important crops, they are too water-intensive to be the centerpieces of the agro-economy. For example, producing one kilo of tomatoes requires 180 litres of water, while one kilo of cotton requires 9,800 litres. Rice and sugar require about 2,500 litres and 1,900 litres per kilo, respectively.

It thus makes sense on every level to move away from water-intensive crops. Unfortunately, most of the biggest names in Pakistani politics also have significant interests in sugar. Meanwhile, we would be hard-pressed to find a politician who owns a tomato cannery. Elites making policies to benefit themselves will keep reducing resource availability and harming common people and the economy alike.