Introduction
Rod-Kohi agriculture is a run-off farming system whereby flood water, rushing down as
hill-torrents, is diverted into fields for crops production practiced over 2.0 Mha in four provinces of the country. Traditionally, flood water is not properly managed, resultinsg in productivity losses through damage to crops, land and properties. Major constraints limiting exploitation of flood flow of hill-torrents include unpredictable flash floods, improper water regulation and control, soil erosion and heavy silt load in flood water. To tackle the problem, The NARC water resources scientists were assigned the challenging task to develop mechanism for better control and regulation of Rod-Kohi water in order to benefit agriculture in particular and other water related sectors in general.
Technology Development
Realizing economic significance of this vast tract, the research activities in the area
were initiated during 1994-95 by launching a research-cum development project “Rod-Kohi System Development and Management in Pakistan” with components in all provinces of Pakistan. Addressing major issues of the area, local communities in the target areas were involved in identification of problems, planning, implementation and decision-making using participatory approach. After 10 years of un-tiring efforts the NARC scientists were able to devise cost-effective techniques aimed at harnessing run-off for enhanced agricultural production resulting in the uplift of socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants.
Technology Recommendations
Based on the on-ground work at various field stations, cost-effective, viable and easy to operate water distribution structures were developed for Rod-Kohi farmers. Also, the remodeling and renovation of water conveyance system improved the conveyance efficiency by 30 to 45%. These interventions increased the command area by 10-15% and also raised the crop yields by 50%. Moreover, the hand-pumps with sand filters installed at water storage ponds in the target areas provided sediment free potable water to the local communities.
Key References
Sadiq, N., A. Shah and R. Amin. (2002). Improvement potential of Rod-Kohi farming in upland Balochistan. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences 1: 67-69.
Mehmood Z. and N. Latif. (2001). Water Harvesting for Domestic and Livestock Use in Arid Environment of D.I. Khan. Journal of Engineering & Applied Sciences. 20. 8-16.
