World Bank flags irrigation failures

ISLAMABAD:

The World Bank says Pakistan is among the countries facing severe water scarcity, with large volumes of water wasted due to inefficient irrigation systems and ineffective agricultural practices. Emphasising the need for improvements in the tax system, more efficient use of water and subsidy reforms, the Bank has identified wide-ranging reform requirements in the agricultural and social sectors.

According to details, the World Bank has released its report on development in South Asia, highlighting the need for reforms in Pakistan's tax system, improved water management and rationalisation of subsidies. The report points to structural weaknesses in the agricultural and social sectors and notes that measures such as discouraging pollution could also help generate additional revenue.

The World Bank notes that Pakistan is among the world's most water-stressed countries, where poor irrigation systems and inefficient farming practices are contributing to significant water wastage. The report states that modern irrigation projects implemented in Punjab have resulted in water savings of 57% and increased crop yields ranging from 14% to 31%. However, it warns that groundwater levels across South Asia are declining rapidly, posing long-term risks to agricultural sustainability.