Global Rice News

Rice Growers in Pakistan Face Water Shortage Due to Damaged Barrage

Umer Jamali, a rice grower in Johi taluka, was thrilled to see water flowing through the aqueduct to his farmland after two years of drought. Unfortunately, his excitement was short-lived when he learned about the damage to the Sukkur Barrage, which resulted in the suspension of water supplies to all its canals. The non-perennial Dadu canal, which feeds Umer’s lands and those of other growers in Johi taluka, originates from Sukkur Barrage.

Umer had just started receiving water on June 1 for paddy cultivation, but now he is uncertain when he will receive water again. The 92-year-old Sukkur Barrage, which was built in 1932, suffered significant damage on June 20, posing a threat to Kharif crops and causing distress to farmers who rely on irrigation water.

Khalid Khoso, a grower from Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB), expressed his concerns about the situation. He fears losses in paddy nurseries, which involve the use of imported hybrid seeds costing Rs5,000 per kg, as well as expenses for pesticides and land preparation.

Emergency Restoration Efforts

Irrigation authorities are seeking a reduction in water flows from Indus River System Authority (Irsa) for Sindh due to the emergency at Sukkur Barrage. Umer Jamali and other farmers are frustrated by the release of water downstream for restoration work, as these flows were intended for their areas.

Efforts are underway to resume water supplies in the canals as quickly as possible. Chinese engineers are assisting local irrigation staff and officers at the barrage to address the emergency. The damaged gates are being repaired, and a caisson gate will be placed to resume water supplies. However, the exact cause of the gate damage has not yet been determined.

Impact on Rice Cultivation

The damaged Sukkur Barrage is a disaster for the growers in Upper Sindh who rely on its canals for water. The delay in water supplies puts rice nurseries at risk and may lead to monetary losses for farmers. The restoration work and rehabilitation of the barrage will take time, leaving growers uncertain about water availability for future cultivation.

Nabi Bux Sathio, the vice president of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), calls for a comprehensive assessment of all the gates of the barrage to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, Sindh irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro assures farmers that efforts are being made to restore water supplies as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The damage to Sukkur Barrage has created a water shortage for rice growers in Pakistan. The situation has raised concerns among farmers about the viability of their crops and the significant financial losses they may incur. The repair and restoration efforts at the barrage are crucial for ensuring the timely availability of water for irrigation.

Source: Dawn