Mega-irrigation systems in Pakistan could boost yields and drought resilience through conjunctive water management.
This article examines how surface water and groundwater are used together in Pakistan's big irrigation systems. By managing these water sources together, farmers can grow more crops and handle dry periods better without needing extra water. In Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh areas, using surface water and groundwater together helps boost crop yields and build resistance to droughts. The way surface water is delivered decides how much groundwater is needed and helps recharge the underground water. This approach, called conjunctive management, does not require extra water to enhance yields and support farming during dry spells.