Impact of Water Losses and Maintenance of Canal Irrigation System on Agriculture (Case Study: Urmar Minor of Warsak Gravity Canal Pakistan)

A study was conducted in May-August 2005 to assess the conveyance losses, seepage losses, maintenance status and impact of water losses and maintenance on the agricultural yield in case of irrigation channels. In this regard, a case study was conducted on three watercourses, at Urmar Minor of Warsak Gravity Canal irrigation system in Pakistan. The Inflow-outflow and ponding methods were used to determine conveyance and seepage losses respectively. Local farmers were interviewed to inquire about the maintenance condition of the selected water courses. A considerable decrease i.e. more than 50% in the yield of wheat and maize was observed while moving along the channels from head to tail. The irrigation system of Urmar Minor is evaluated as a guiding study and remedial measures are suggested to handle widely spread reduction in agricultural production due to these losses