Corporate Farming: Is this the future of Pakistani agriculture?

After publishing an article on corporate farming on 2nd March last week, several esteemed and experienced colleagues reached out, not only endorsing the discussion but also urging that experts from across the country be mobilised on this crucial issue. In light of this, I find it imperative to further inform the nation about this significant national concern and to earnestly invite specialists in the field to contribute their expertise. Their guidance is crucial in assessing the potential benefits and drawbacks of corporate farming in Cholistan in a timely manner.

Pakistan, once regarded as the agricultural hub of the region, now stands on the brink of a severe water crisis. There is no denying that water scarcity is becoming an increasingly grave issue in Pakistan, posing threats not only to agriculture but also to overall economic stability. Within this context, the corporate farming initiative and the Cholistan Canal dispute highlight critical aspects of water distribution and usage in the country. The interprovincial conflict surrounding the Cholistan Canal project is a reflection of the broader challenges Pakistan faces in managing water availability, storage, and efficient utilisation. This dispute, which has emerged between Punjab and Sindh over the distribution of the Indus River’s water, exposes the country’s deep-rooted failures in water management. The issue extends far beyond the construction of a single canal; it serves as a testament to Pakistan’s inability over the past three decades to establish a concrete policy for water conservation, storage, and efficient usage.
Let us now examine these key aspects in detail to determine whether this project will prove beneficial for our homeland or whether we are, yet again, setting up future generations for irreversible consequences.

The Cholistan Canal project was proposed to irrigate the barren lands of Cholistan, where droughts and sandstorms have threatened both agriculture and human habitation. However, Sindh has opposed the project, fearing a reduction in the Indus River’s water supply. Punjab maintains that the canal falls within its allocated water share under the 1991 Water Accord and, therefore, should be developed accordingly. Conversely, Sindh opposes this on the grounds that it could infringe upon its water rights and further diminish the river’s flow, adversely affecting its farmers.

The 1991 Water Accord established a framework for water distribution among the provinces, ensuring that each province received its fair share. Clause 6 of the accord explicitly mandates the construction of new water reservoirs to secure water availability. It was clear that if demand increased, new dams and storage facilities would be developed to prevent disputes. However, in the past 30 years, no major dams have been completed, while the construction of new reservoirs remains slow, exacerbating the water crisis. Furthermore, silt accumulation in existing reservoirs like Tarbela and Mangla has reduced their storage capacity by up to 30%. Without enhancing storage capacity, agricultural output could be severely affected, posing a threat to food security. This is the fundamental issue that has led projects like the Cholistan Canal into controversy. If the federal government had fulfilled its commitments under the accord, such projects would not have become sources of conflict.

Pakistan’s water crisis is more closely linked to inadequate storage rather than unfair distribution. The country’s annual water availability has declined from 145 million acre-feet (MAF) to 100 MAF by 2023, despite increasing population and agricultural demands. Climate change has further exacerbated the situation—glacial melt rates, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme heatwaves have made water management increasingly challenging. According to World Bank estimates, if storage capacity is not increased, Pakistan will be classified among “water-scarce” countries by 2025.

Pakistan’s water management remains inefficient, leading to excessive wastage. Due to a lack of timely reforms and a failure to anticipate future challenges, the country now faces numerous critical water-related issues. Identifying some of these problems will illustrate how the negligence and complacency of authoritative institutions have brought us to this dire situation. However, I am also proposing some solutions in the hope that if they are implemented promptly, we might still avoid bequeathing a legacy of drought, aridity, and barren land to future generations.

Currently, 90% of Pakistan’s water is used in agriculture, yet outdated irrigation techniques, such as flood irrigation, result in a 50% wastage rate. Additionally, poor canal maintenance and water theft cause a further 40% loss, either through seepage or illegal extraction. Unregulated groundwater extraction, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, is also depleting water reserves at an alarming rate. For instance, the water table in Lahore has been dropping at a rate of 2 metres per year compared to levels in the 1990s.

If Pakistan is to secure its agricultural future and overall water sustainability, urgent action is needed. Comprehensive reforms, investment in modern irrigation techniques, and increased water storage capacity must be prioritised to prevent an impending crisis.

Water projects in Pakistan often fall victim to provincial politics. For instance, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, which has the capacity to generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity and store 8.1 million acre-feet of water, has been under construction since 2008. Projects such as Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand Dam, and Kalabagh need to be completed urgently. Additionally, desilting existing dams could increase their storage capacity by up to 30%. Similarly, the Kalabagh Dam project remains suspended due to political opposition, and delays in approving projects like the Cholistan Canal are also a consequence of this ongoing political struggle.

٭Agriculture consumes over 90% of Pakistan’s water, yet traditional irrigation methods remain highly inefficient. By introducing modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, water consumption could be reduced by up to 50%. Countries like Israel have successfully transformed arid deserts into fertile land using similar techniques.

٭Approximately 40% of canal water is lost due to unnecessary leakage, illegal extraction, and poor maintenance. This wastage could be minimised by repairing canals and introducing modern systems, such as concrete lining and smart water meters, to prevent losses. The excessive use of tube wells is rapidly depleting underground water levels, posing long-term risks. A robust policy and strict monitoring are required to regulate groundwater extraction effectively.

٭A dedicated national water authority should be established to oversee the distribution and utilisation of water among provinces. This authority should develop a modern water governance system, leveraging the expertise of highly skilled professionals already available in Pakistan. Earlier this year, during a conference in the United States, I met several Pakistani experts and scientists who have revolutionised agriculture in American desert regions. Unfortunately, due to bureaucratic inefficiency and mismanagement, these valuable professionals are working abroad rather than contributing to their homeland.

٭Coastal areas of Sindh and Baluchistan could benefit from desalination plants, making seawater usable for agriculture and daily consumption. This alternative solution could mitigate water shortages, make vast areas of Baluchistan cultivable, alleviate poverty, and generate significant foreign exchange revenue for the country.

٭Unfair water subsidies encourage excessive consumption. Large agricultural and industrial units should be subject to appropriate water usage fees to ensure responsible consumption and reduce wastage.

٭In Pakistan, water storage projects often become entangled in political disputes. Projects such as the Greater Thal Canal and Diamer-Bhasha Dam have been delayed for years, failing to meet the country’s growing water needs. Until water projects are prioritised as national interests rather than political battlegrounds, resolving this crisis will remain a challenge.

To safeguard Pakistan from an impending water crisis, the following urgent measures must be implemented with revolutionary commitment:
٭Accelerate the construction of new water reservoirs, including Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, and Kalabagh dams.
٭Implement modern agricultural technologies, such as drip irrigation and advanced water-saving systems, to optimise water usage.
٭Strengthen interprovincial cooperation and transparent monitoring to ensure fair water distribution.
٭Establish desalination plants in cities like Karachi to make seawater potable, protecting residents from the exploitative water tanker mafia.
٭Introduce fair water pricing for major consumers, such as industrial zones, to encourage conservation, boost exports, and reduce reliance on foreign loans.

Pakistan currently stands on the brink of a severe water crisis. The Cholistan Canal dispute is not just an isolated issue but a stark warning of what the future holds if immediate action is not taken. Had the provisions of Clause 6 of the 1991 Water Accord been implemented, Pakistan would not be facing these recurring conflicts today. Without urgent attention to water conservation, storage, and management, provincial disputes will intensify, agricultural productivity will decline, and access to clean drinking water will become increasingly difficult.

It is imperative to revive the spirit of the 1991 Accord and set aside political differences in favour of national interests. Otherwise, Pakistan’s water crisis will escalate into an existential threat to its economy, social stability, and sovereignty. Without immediate and effective action, water scarcity, agricultural collapse, and interprovincial tensions will worsen.

Time is running out, and decisive measures are essential to prevent Pakistan from succumbing to a catastrophic water crisis.

Remember, water is life. Wasting it means pushing future generations into darkness.