Kharif FY08 season will be facilitated with 6.8 MAF higher water availability (2.8 percent rise over Kharif FY07), which may help to enhance the planted area as well as harvesting of Kharif crops, hoped official sources.
According to an update statistics report, the improved availability of water as a result of better monsoon and winter rains coupled with snowfall through February-March FY07 bodes well for water availability in FY08.
Overall rains compounded a growth of 29.1 percent during July-March FY07 over the same period of last year and the increased water supply has not only helped to meet irrigation requirements for the Rabi crops but would also fulfil the needs of Kharif FY08 crops, leaving a reasonable water in the reservoirs for future use as well.
Indus River System Authority (Irsa) reported that canal flows are at full capacity and there would be no shortage through current Kharif season. However, farming sector has been advised to be careful in consumption of irrigation water, while losses between canal heads and farm gate need to be curtailed.