Conservation and harvesting of rainwater for sustainable agriculture in Kachho, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Rainwater irrigation is relatively an uncommon practice in Pakistan, yet certain areas still utilize rainwater harvesting to address water scarcity. A north-south oriented belt, parallel to the Khirthar foothills and along the Indus River floodplain in Sindh province, has been identified as suitable for rainwater-based agriculture. Over time, easterly alluvial deposits have expanded, supporting agricultural growth. The main objective of this study was to explore the potential of rainwater harvesting and storage in Kacho, Sindh, for sustaining agriculture and mitigating water shortages. To achieve this, field surveys, water quantification techniques, construction of small reservoirs, and satellite image analysis were applied to assess available water resources and cultivation potential. Research findings indicate progressive improvements in water conservation, with 33.3% retained in 2017, 44.4% in 2018–2019, 38.9% in 2020, 66.6% in 2021, 88.5% in 2022, and 107.5% in 2023. Correspondingly, wheat productivity has increased from 450 kg in 2017 to 815 kg in 2023 in the selected study area. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of rainwater irrigation in mitigating water shortages and enhancing crop yields. Ultimately, sustainable rainwater conservation is a viable solution for strengthening food security and agricultural resilience in arid regions of Pakistan.