Optimization strategies for improving irrigation water management of lower Jhelum canal

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Date
2015
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Publisher
Technical Journal,University of Engineering and Technology Taxila.
Abstract
The paper includes computing crop water requirement, identification of problems and optimization strategies for improved irrigation water management of a canal command. Lower Jhelum Canal (LJC) System was selected as a case study. Possible strategies for optimization are enhancing irrigation water productivity by high value and high yield crops, adoption of resource conservation interventions (RCIs) at the farm level, improving irrigation system efficiency and its management. Estimation of daily reference evapotranspiration of LJC command was carried out by Penman Montieth - 2000 method and metrological data of Sargodha for the period 1999 to 2010 was used. Crop water requirements were computed from reference evapotranspiration, crop coefficients and periods of crops for existing cropping pattern. The comparison of the crop water requirements and available water supplies indicated shortage of more than 51% in Kharif and 54% in Rabi seasons. The gap between requirements and supplies is fulfilled by groundwater in the command. The structural measures identified in the present study for improving canal management include rationalization of canal capacities in keeping with the current water requirements and availability, rehabilitation and remodeling of canal network and lining of distributaries and minors in saline groundwater areas. An array of measures and practices identified for improved water management at the farm level include: improvement and lining of watercourses, proper farm design and layout, adoption of resource conservation technologies involving laser land leveling, zero tillage, and bed-furrow irrigation method. Adopting proper cropping systems considering land suitability and capacity building of farming community in improved soil, crop and water management technologies would enhance the water productivity in an effective and sustainable manner.
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Keywords
Civil Engineering, Irrigation Management, Optimization Strategies, Reference Evapotranspiration, Canal Water Management, Lower Jhelum Canal
Citation
Rashid, M., Latif, A., Ghani, U., Ali, S., Khan, A., & Shabbir, F. (2015). Optimization Strategies for Improving Irrigation Water Management of Lower Jhelum Canal. Technical Journal,University of Engineering and Technology Taxila. 20(1), 81.(Muhammad Usman Rashid)(HEC Recognized Y Category)