Irrigation water, before reaching a farmers field is transmitted through different modes of distribution. Upon diversion from head works or dams, the water flows through the main canal, branch/distributary canal, and minor into the watercourse through the outlet or mogha. From here the farmers deliver it to the fields head for application. In early seventies, research studies were conducted by WAPDA in collaboration with CSU-USAID and it was established that since the canal systems were technically built, therefore comparatively less loss occur in the canals than in the watercourses. These tertiary watercourses below the mogha were originally built by the water users or farmers themselves, resulting in a huge watercourses network, covering a very large command area. Due to this increased surface area of watercourses, tremendous water losses occur, contributing towards reduced water supply on one hand and the menace of salinity and water logging on the other.

It is estimated that more than 50 % of the irrigation water is lost in the delivery phase and during application within the field.  In the delivery system, this water is lost through seepage from the kacha beds and banks of the watercourses, over topping due to weak banks, trees and bushes, and sedimentation due to variable flows. Similarly, water is lost within the field during application due to undulations thereby resulting in over irrigation or under irrigation.

After realizing the huge wastage of water, OFWM pilot project was initiated during 1976-77 with the assistance of USAID.  The project started renovation of watercourses, land leveling and development of farmers’ fields.  Implementation of the USAID program created a desire among the farming community for improvement of the watercourses and land leveling after realizing its benefits. The success of this program encouraged other donor agencies to come forward and fund similar projects. OFWM has now been extended to different parts of the province including non-irrigated areas. In order to translate saved water into an increased production, an important component of OFWM, Irrigation Agronomy, the Field Staff extends new ideas to the farmers regarding Agronomy and Irrigation practices through establishing farm demonstration centers under the command area of renovated water courses.

The main objectives of On-Farm Water Management program are as under:-

1. Conduct feasibility studies of potential Projects, plan Water Management strategies for conservation of scarce available water resources and plan for maximum involvement of the beneficiaries in operation and maintenance of the secondary irrigation system.
2. Prepare project concepts/PC-IIs and PC-Is for presentation to the Government and International Donors and implement/execute Provincial level project.
3. Coordinate with other line agencies at Provincial/Federal Government and Donors.
4. To organize and register water users on watercourse basis and FOs on distributary level to ensure the participation of end users in the development process on sustainable basis.
5. To provide technical and financial assistance to water users associations for construction/renovation of their watercourses, water storage tanks and precise leveling of their fields.
6. To educate and assist farmers and farm planning/design for efficient use of available water resources in order to get maximum production.
7. To demonstrate On-Farm Water Management techniques like efficient method of irrigation (Furrow, Drip & Sprinkler) and zero tillage practices.
8. To impart on the job training to the office bearers of water users associations and farmers organizations in operation and maintenance of the irrigation system including abiana assessment and collection. Training to the farmers in applying water to the crops according to the requirements and in time.
9. Maintenance of record of finances and inventory of all development activities including impact evaluation.

Targets    

Expenditure (Rs. in Million)

Govt. of NWFP            38.283
IDA share                  327.564

Population Benefited:

It is estimated that more than 90,000 farmers of the province would be benefited by this project.
About 134400 acres of land would be brought under cultivation and more than 0.30 million job
opportunities have been made available to skilled and unskilled labour.

Achievements during last three and half years

Pehure high level canal project ofwm component Mardan (ADB Assisted)

Targets    

Expenditure (Rs in Million)

Govt. of NWFP                    56.506              
ADB share                          284.57

Population Benefited

Farmers of the Districts mentioned above benefited from the project due to which 67000 acres
of land has brought under cultivation.

Note:-        The project has been winded up on 31/12/2004.

Achievements during last three and half years

National Program for lining of water courses in NWFP

Targets    

Expenditure           
               
Rs. 430.139 million

Population Benefited         

Under the above mentioned Programme 10,000 water courses would be lined in a period
of 5 years, due to which water will be saved to a considerable extent and would bring
development as well as prosperity to the province by increasing agriculture production.
In the result about 31,000 personals would got the opportunities of jobs.

Achievements during last two years

installation of sprinkler/drip irrigation system (adb assisted)

Targets    

Expenditure

Sprinkler            Rs. 4.05 million
Drip                  Rs. 2.95 million  

Population Benefited    
     
A more efficient, productive, and sustainable irrigation system having a lot of developmental impacts
at less cost to the Government budget and the environment. Increased agriculture growth, poverty
alleviation and private section development in rural areas where most of the absolute poor live.
The project will yield economic benefit in terms of greater rural employment, more and equitable
distribution of water, and stronger irrigation system.

Achievements during last two and half years