LIMS ASSISTS IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT IN CLEANING CANALS

Hira Tahir

Water scarcity and outdated irrigation infrastructure pose significant challenges
to livelihoods and food security in developing countries like Pakistan. To address this
issue, there is a need for investment in efficiency improvements that can help
mitigate water losses and enhance the wellbeing of farmers. Recent research
conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR)
reveals that more than 60% of water is lost during conveyance and application
in the fields, primarily due to the inadequate maintenance of irrigation systems
and reliance on traditional methods. Implementing high-efficiency irrigation systems
presents a promising solution to these challenges. By adopting such systems,
countries can significantly increase their production capacity while minimizing water
wastage. Additionally, these systems have the potential to save energy, prevent soil
erosion, and stimulate economic growth.
A revolutionary digital platform called Land Information and Management
Systems (LIMS) was introduced under the umbrella of SIFC with the aim of
replacing conventional agricultural processes with cutting-edge technologies
to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. The world’s biggest irrigation system,
comprising reservoirs, barrages, canals, and rivers, is currently plagued by inefficiency
and outdated infrastructure It is estimated that one million acre-feet (MAF) of water
holds an economic value of $1 billion. Shockingly, in the previous year alone, a
staggering $29 billion worth of water was lost through the Kotri Barrage, flowing
into the Arabian Sea without being utilized. Recognizing the urgency of the
situation, high-level initiatives are underway to accelerate crucial irrigation projects,
including the Thar, Thal, and Kachi canals. Special attention has been given on
constructing new canals to prevent flooding and implementing check dams to mitigate
the impact of flash floods. Additionally, the deployment of advanced irrigation
systems with high efficiency, such as pivot irrigation, subsurface irrigation,
sprinkler irrigation, and modular drip irrigation, will be prioritized. These
measures aim to address the impending water catastrophe and ensure the optimal
utilization of water resources in Pakistan. By modernizing the irrigation infrastructure
and adopting innovative irrigation techniques, the country can mitigate water wastage,
enhance agricultural productivity, and safeguard against future water scarcity
challenges.
Under Land Information and Management System (LIMS) Pakistan’s
agriculture sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards technologydriven practices, highlighted by the recent introduction of a groundbreaking
mobile application. This innovative digital tool is set to revolutionize the management
and monitoring of the country’s vast canal network. Departing from conventional
methods, the app harnesses cutting-edge technologies such as drones and
satellite imagery to ensure efficient oversight of the extensive 22,000-kilometer
canal system, facilitating crucial maintenance and cleansing operations. This
development marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards modernizing
its agricultural landscape. In a bid to ensure the successful implementation of this
groundbreaking application, a comprehensive training session was held for irrigation
department officers at the main office of LIMS. The aim was to equip these officers
with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize this advanced tool
for the improvement of Pakistan’s irrigation system.
LIMS represents a significant leap forward in bolstering Pakistan’s agriculture
sector, which contributes approximately a quarter of the country’s GDP. This allencompassing system harnesses the power of a geographic information system (GIS)
to digitize and streamline agricultural practices. It empowers farmers by providing
them with easy access to online data pertaining to crucial aspects of farming,
including climate changes, crop surveillance, water usage, and pest control. By
harnessing the power of remote sensing and geospatial technologies, LIMS is set to
revolutionize Pakistan’s agriculture sector by providing real-time updates on
crucial factors such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and water resources.
Additionally, the system aims to minimize reliance on intermediaries by establishing a
robust marketing framework, which is expected to create employment opportunities
for the youth and revitalize underutilized lands. The introduction of this mobile app
signifies a major breakthrough in the digitization of agriculture in Pakistan,
setting a shining example for other nations to emulate.
This pioneering institute aims to consolidate land management, crop cultivation,
weather monitoring, water resource management, and pest control under a single
umbrella. By optimizing the utilization of diverse resources, employing cutting-edge
technology, and implementing advanced irrigation systems, the agricultural sector is
poised for transformative growth that will effectively address food scarcity across all
regions of the country. With access to comprehensive information and data analytics,
identifying obstacles, challenges, and potential solutions becomes more streamlined,
enabling informed decision-making for sustainable agricultural development.
By prioritizing the development and implementation of advanced irrigation
technologies, countries like Pakistan can effectively address water scarcity issues,
improve agricultural productivity, and ensure sustainable farming practices. This
endeavor held the promise of ensuring reliable food security and fostering a robust
economy for a stable Pakistan.