IMPLEMENTING INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (IWRM) FOR AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY IN PAKISTAN: LEARNING FROM BEST PRACTICES

Pakistan’s agricultural sector is severely impacted by a fragmented water management system, resulting in inefficiencies and misuse of this critical resource. It is a matter of great concern that 50% of the water used in agriculture is wasted due to mismanagement. This paper highlights that the Indus Basin, which is essential for Pakistan’s agriculture, confronts water challenges due to competing demands and changing climatic circumstances. The primary objective of this study is to examine how Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) can be implemented to address Pakistan’s water resources challenges and promote sustainable agriculture. This paper provides an analysis of Pakistan’s inefficient traditional irrigation systems such as warabandi and flood irrigation that result in significant water losses. Therefore, this paper provides lessons through four case studies regarding irrigation modernisation and advantages of implementing IWRM to enhance sustainable water management and agriculture in Pakistan. Moreover, this paper outlines a plan to implement IWRM for agricultural resilience. It concludes that holistic approach, stakeholder engagement, strengthening institutional frameworks and governance at different levels can enhance Pakistan’s effective management of water resources that will ultimately support agricultural sustainability.