indh’s annual water requirement stands at 48.8 million acre-feet (MAF). Of this amount, nearly 43 MAF is needed exclusively for agriculture to sustain fertile lands in Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad and Thatta. The province faces a persistent water deficit of 40 to 45 per cent, a shortfall of around 19.5 MAF. Despite an allocation of 48.76 MAF under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, Sindh receives 33 to 35 MAF in a typical year. The shortfall is on account of inefficiencies, climate change and upstream diversions. This scarcity impacts agriculture, domestic water supply and the environment, placing significant pressure on the province’s economy and communities.

Agriculture contributes 19 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and employs 38.5 percent of the labour force. It is vital to Sindh’s economy. About 60 percent of Sindh’s population relies on farming, producing 20 percent of the country’s wheat, 40 percent of its rice, and 25 per cent of its sugarcane. Yet, tail-end farmers, particularly those solely dependent on agriculture, face severe challenges due to inequitable water distribution. Over the past decade, water shortages have lowered crop yields by up to 20 per cent, exacerbating the economic hardship and food insecurity.

The federal government’s proposal to construct six canals to irrigate Cholistan threatens to worsen Sindh’s water crisis. The Indus River, Sindh’s primary water source, has seen declining flows due to reduced rainfall, inefficient management and upstream diversions. The proposed canals could further deplete water resources, leaving Sindh’s agricultural heartland parched and jeopardising millions of livelihoods.

The 1991 Water Apportionment Accord aimed to ensure equitable distribution among provinces. Sindh’s stakeholders argue that the canal project violates this agreement. Sindh has consistently received less water than its Water Accord allocation. This has fuelled strong opposition to the proposed canals. Protests have erupted across the province, with thousands rallying in Hyderabad and Larkana to demand the project’s cancellation and the protection of Sindh’s agricultural and environmental resources. Political parties, nationalist groups and civil society organisations have united in opposition, emphasising the need for adherence to the 1991 accord.

Water scarcity disproportionately affects women and marginalised communities. Women and girls, often responsible for water collection in rural areas, must travel longer distances as wells and rivers dry up, risking their health and safety. Marginalised groups face limited access to safe drinking water and declining agricultural income, deepening poverty and inequality. The proposed canals could further deprive vulnerable populations of essential resources.

Marginalised groups face limited access to safe drinking water and declining agricultural income, deepening poverty and inequality. 

Environmental concerns surrounding the canals are also significant. Cholistan’s soil lacks the fertility needed for sustainable agriculture. Altering the Indus River’s flow could harm downstream ecosystems. The Indus Delta, already suffering from reduced freshwater inflows, faces further degradation, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of fishing and farming communities.

Adding another layer of complexity, corporate farming initiatives have been proposed in Sindh, Umerkot being the only disclosed area so far. According to data from a mukhtiarkar (Revenue) letter to the Umerkot deputy commissioner, 190,195 acres of land has been identified for corporate farming across seven dehs (Khairal Thar, Baral Thar, Mokhal Bah, Chor Thar, Horingoand Laplo). A resident reported that in two dehs, Horingo and Laplo, there 30 to 40 villages with a population of around 50,000. Given the scope of the project, nearly 100,000 people could face disruptions. What plans are in place for these communities? Large-scale farming in this region risks displacing some of the residents and disrupting their traditional livelihoods. Even if displacement does not occur, grazing areas, local flora and fauna and the environment are likely to suffer significant damage. Addressing these concerns is essential to ensuring equitable and sustainable corporate farming practices.

As Pakistan seeks solutions to its water and agricultural challenges, initiatives like the Green Pakistan Initiative aim to enhance productivity and sustainability through modern farming techniques and efficient water usage. Green technology, such as drip irrigation and solar-powered water pumps, can mitigate water wastage and support small-scale farmers, particularly those at the tail-ends of irrigation systems. Corporate farming models, when implemented equitably and inclusively, have the potential to complement traditional agriculture, ensuring food security and economic growth without further straining water resources.

This debate underscores the urgent need for balanced water resource management in Pakistan. Addressing Sindh’s concerns while ensuring sustainable development requires inter-provincial cooperation, adherence to agreements and a commitment to equitable resource allocation. By prioritising data-driven solutions and integrating innovative initiatives, Pakistan can navigate these challenges and secure a sustainable future for all provinces.

The author is a gender expert and development professional. She can be reached at email: sanakhanzada4@gmail.com