Sindh Water And Agriculture Transformation
Introduction : The project is in accordance with the strategic directions of food security in Pakistan Vision 2025. Pakistan is facing food and water security, in spite being agriculture-based economy. As food and water security are real concerns for governments worldwide, therefore, the nexus between food and water can further help in making water strategy for Sindh. Pakistan’s current water availability is comparatively less than other countries therefore making it “water stressed” and directing it towards “water scarce.” Further this project is in line with the National Water Policy 2018; the object of water policy is to identify the emerging water crisis and provide an overall policy framework and guidelines for comprehensive policy action. The National Water Policy 2018 is a national framework within which the provinces will develop their master plans for sustainable development and management of water resources.
The Sindh Agriculture Policy 2018- 2030 also aims to make efforts to increase the agriculture sector growth as well as take necessary steps to ensure food security and facilitate a greater attention to sustainability. Also, the GoS through this policy will promote technological improvements by effective and efficient programs in order to enhance growth, food and nutrition.
Finance : The World Bank funded project is of very important nature for the nexus of irrigation and agriculture. Around 90% of the project cost will be financed by the World Bank through IDA while 10% will be finance by GoS.
Specific Agriculture Growth in view of Sindh Agriculture Policy : The formulation of Agriculture Policy was requirement of Sindh Government after 18th amendment of the constitution of Pakistan due to complete responsibility of agriculture are to be performed by the provincial governments. In continuation the Sindh government has formulated Sindh Agriculture Policy (SAP) 2018 – 2030, which covers agriculture including crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry. The Government of Sindh through SAP wants to create an efficient, prosperous and resilient agriculture and livestock sectors that can provide good incomes and decent employment to those involved in production, processing, transport and storage; and at same time provide safe, nutritious and cheap food to population.
SWAT will help adjust the role of government in agriculture and water management and facilitate a transformation along the three dimensions ‘agriculture, water resources, and water service delivery.
These three dimensions are inter-dependent. Higher value and more water-efficient agriculture requires better irrigation services perhaps the single most important input for agriculture in Sindh. Irrigation needs to be placed within a broader water resources management system to function efficiently and sustainably. The environmental degradation caused by the poor irrigation and water management practices is undermining the resource base upon which Sindh’s rural economy depends.
The objectives of the "SINDH WATER AND AGRICULTURE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT" can be summarized as follows:
Enhance Agricultural Water Productivity : The primary objective of the project is to increase agricultural water productivity in the project areas, aiming to achieve "more rupees per drop." This involves adopting modern irrigation practices and technologies to maximize agricultural output while minimizing water usage.
Promote Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) : The project seeks to establish a robust institutional framework for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). By integrating water management practices, the project aims to ensure efficient and sustainable use of water resources for agricultural development and economic growth.
Facilitate Agricultural Policy Reforms : The project aims to support policy reforms in the agricultural sector, aligning with the objectives of the National Water Policy 2018 and Sindh Agricultural Policy 2018-2030. These reforms aim to enhance water and food security, encourage efficient water usage, and diversify agriculture towards higher-value crops.
Build on Previous Investments : The project builds upon the successes and lessons learned from previous World Bank-financed projects in Sindh province, such as the Water Sector Improvement Project (WSIP), Sindh Agriculture Growth Project (SAGP), and Sindh Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Project (SIAPEP). It aims to synergize water and agricultural investments for maximum rural development impact.
Address Water-Related Environmental Degradation : The project contributes to mitigating water-related environmental degradation by promoting sustainable water management practices. By optimizing water usage and reducing wastage, the project aims to address water scarcity and related environmental challenges.
Boost Rural Economy : Through increased agricultural productivity, policy reforms, and efficient resource utilization, the project aims to stimulate Sindh's rural economy. This includes reducing rural poverty and malnutrition by promoting higher-value agricultural activities and improving livelihoods.
Promote Value Chain Development : The project emphasizes value chain development by investing in agricultural technology and promoting supply and demand sides of the agricultural sector. This approach enhances productivity and competitiveness, benefiting farmers and other stakeholders along the agricultural value chain.
Modernize Irrigation Practices : The project seeks to modernize century-old irrigation practices, enabling a more flexible and adaptive approach to meeting the water needs of farmers. This modernization process ensures equitable water distribution and efficient water usage.
Transition to Smart Subsidies : The project aims to shift from traditional agricultural subsidies to smart subsidies that incentivize the cultivation of high-value, water-efficient crops. This approach encourages sustainable resource use and improved agricultural productivity.
Community-Driven Development : The project facilitates a community-driven development process at the grassroots level (FO level), ensuring that agricultural and irrigation investments are synchronized to directly benefit farmers. This approach promotes local ownership, participation, and tangible on-the-ground results.
In summary, the SWAT project aims to transform Sindh's water and agricultural sectors by increasing agricultural water productivity, implementing integrated water resources management, promoting policy reforms, enhancing rural economic development, and addressing environmental challenges. By adopting modern practices, optimizing resource use, and empowering local communities, the project aims to create a sustainable and prosperous agricultural landscape in the region.
The SWAT Project encompasses a range of key features designed to drive comprehensive agricultural transformation, improve water resource management, and foster sustainable development in the Sindh province. These features are strategically aligned to create an enabling environment for growth and innovation, streamline institutional frameworks, and enhance the livelihoods of farming communities:
Policy and Legal Reforms: The project places strong emphasis on agricultural and water policy and legal reforms. These reforms are geared towards reshaping incentives and creating a conducive environment for growth. Agricultural reforms target subsidy modifications, reduced government market intervention, enhanced research and extension services, and the strengthening of value chains. Water-related reforms encompass water pricing adjustments and the establishment of an Irrigation and Water Resources Department (IWRD) through a new water law, which consolidates the roles of SIDA, AWBs, and the Irrigation Department. Performance Based Conditions (PBCs) ensure policy compliance, enabling the release of financing upon achievement of reform milestones.
Institutional Support : The project is committed to bolstering water and agricultural institutions to effectively translate policy reforms into tangible improvements. This involves supporting the newly proposed IWR Department, facilitating the formulation of a comprehensive Sindh strategic water plan, and introducing a hydro-agro informatics program. In the agricultural sphere, efforts are directed towards refining agricultural statistics, enhancing price and crop monitoring mechanisms, and providing demand-driven agribusiness and innovation grants to drive sustainable practices.
Modernizing Canal Infrastructure : A pivotal component of the project entails the modernization of canal infrastructure and water services along the Left Bank (East) and Right Bank (West) of the Indus River. By upgrading these vital systems, the project seeks to optimize water supply for agricultural, urban, and industrial users. Collaborative efforts with the Sindh Irrigation Department (SID), Sindh Irrigation & Drainage Authority (SIDA), Canal Area Water Boards (AWBs), and Farmer Organizations (FOs) ensure the efficient execution of this modernization process.
Community-Centric Approach : The project places significant focus on empowering farming communities at the grassroots level through Farmer Organizations (FOs). By adopting a demand-driven approach, the project facilitates the provision of essential infrastructure, technical assistance, and funding for innovative agricultural practices. This approach is aimed at elevating the income levels of farming communities, enhancing their agricultural productivity, and improving their overall quality of life.
Synergistic Investments : The project's design fosters collaboration between the Irrigation and Agriculture Departments, ensuring synergies in investments. By co-locating resources and efforts, the project promotes harmonious development at the grassroots level. This approach maximizes the impact of investments, enhances agricultural productivity, and strengthens the link between water and agriculture, ultimately contributing to broader rural economic growth.
Boost Rural Economy : Through increased agricultural productivity, policy reforms, and efficient resource utilization, the project aims to stimulate Sindh's rural economy. This includes reducing rural poverty and malnutrition by promoting higher-value agricultural activities and improving livelihoods.
In summary, the key features of the SWAT Project represent a holistic and integrated approach to transforming Sindh's agriculture and water resource management. Through policy reforms, institutional support, infrastructure modernization, community empowerment, and synergistic investments, the project aims to create a sustainable and prosperous future for Sindh's agricultural sector and water resources.
The Project comprise of following main components:
This component promotes the adoption of climate-smart practices for traditional crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane as well as the transition to higher value, waterthrifty crops such as oilseeds, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. It promotes climatesmart agriculture to increase sustainable productivity, strengthen farmers' resilience, reduce agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions, and increase carbon sequestration. Gender activities include ensuring female farmers receive culturally appropriate training activities and access to finance and increasing the representation of female professionals in the Agriculture Department. The activities are implemented by the Agriculture Department through five subcomponents:
This component improves agricultural statistics, crop reporting, market information services, and establishes a salinity and water logging research program.
The HAI program developed under Component 1, particularly the remote sensing activities, helps provide new types of data. A new Sindh Agriculture Research and Extension (R&E) Policy will be adopted, and an autonomous Sindh Agriculture Research Board (SARB) will be established to plan, coordinate, fund, and monitor the provincial agriculture R&E system with a focus on improving agricultural water productivity.
Agriculture Delivery Unit (ADU) consists of following sub components
Sindh Water And Agriculture Transformation
Note : For the preparation of Sindh Water and agriculture transformation (SWAT) project several studies have been conducted. The key feasibility studies have been conducted by outsourcing such as, a) Canal Modernization: (Irrigation Training Resource Center) ITRC, report by Charles Burt (Cal Poli State University), b) Akram Wah Detailed Feasibility Study, including design, c) Pre-Feasibility of Rice Canal, Dadu Canal, North West Canals.
Furthermore, according to the World Bank polices, Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of target area of Akram Wah, CAP of Akram Wah, as well as Environment and social Management Framework (ESMF) also has been successfully conducted. Detailed documents of Feasibility and social action plan of SWAT project.
A team of environmental and social consultants are carrying out the environmental and social assessment of the SWAT and prepared a draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The draft ESMF is available from the following link for public review. As part of this study and in accordance with the World Bank Operational Policy 4.01, the Implementing Agencies of the SWAT are soliciting input and feedback from various stakeholders on the draft ESMF. The readers are requested to submit their comments to Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Deputy Director Environment, PCMU (email: abkhan.env@gmail.com) before 31st August 2021.
Key Feasibility studies are provided on the following download links.
A Project Steering Committee (PSC) for implementation of the World Bank financed Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project is constituted with following composition and their TORs:
| 01. | Chairman Planning & Development Board, Sindh | Chairman |
| 02. | Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 03. | Secretary, Irrigation Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 04. | Secretary, Agriculture, Supply & Prices Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 05. | Secretary, Agriculture, Food Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 06. | Secretary, Agriculture, Environment Climate Chang & Coastal Development Department | Member |
| 07. | Member,Energy & Infrastructure, Planning & Development Board, Sindh | Member |
| 08. | Chief Economist, Planning & Development Board, Sindh | Member |
| 09. | Managing Director, SIDA | Member |
| 10. | Project Director (SWAT), Irrigation Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 11. | Project Director SWAT/ADU, Agriculture, Supply & Prices Department, Government of Sindh | Member |
| 12. | Chief, Water and Drainage Section, Planning & Development Department | Member |
| 13. | Chief, Agriculture Section, Planning & Development Department | Member |
| 14. | Farmer's Representative (s) | Member |
| 15. | Project Coordination, PCMU/Directorate of Sindh Water Sector and Barrages Improvement | Member/ Secretary |
The Committee will oversee the project implementation,provide guidance :
Compliance of legal covenants including implementation of performance-based conditions (BPCs of the project, inter-agency coordination and decide on project implementation issues if any.
The Committee will meet on half yearly or whenever is required.
The Committee may co-opt any member if required.
The figure below shows the project results chain (activities, intermediate and final
outcomes) while the indicators of output are also listed below.
The first objective of project is to increase agricultural water productivity. For
the purposes of this project, agricultural water productivity is defined as the value
of irrigated crops divided by the amount of canal water used to grow the crops
over a specified area. Agricultural water productivity is increased through three
channels: i) improving irrigation services which helps to meet to reduce water
losses by matching water supply with demand and increase agricultural
production; ii) supporting the transition to high value, water thrifty crops through
smart subsidies, value chain development, and improved agricultural research and
extension—this will both reduce water demand and increase agriculture revenue;
and iii) promoting the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices through
better on-farm water management, promoting new agronomic practices, and
improved agricultural research and extension—this will both reduce water
demand and improve resilience.
The second objective of project is to establish an institutional framework for integrated water resources management. Increasing agricultural water productivity is a necessary but not sufficient condition for sustainability. Water also needs to be managed as a resource through a process of water allocation to meet the needs of multiple users including the environment, as well as managing extreme events such floods and droughts. The Project helps establish this framework through formulation of a new water law, the creation of a transformed Irrigation and Water Resources Department, preparing the SSWP, and creating a hydro-agro informatics program.
Adopting climate-smart agriculture practices will help to reduce GHG emissions and improve farmer resilience. Improved water resources management will help Sindh better monitor and adapt to a changing climate, particularly in the face of increasing frequency and severity of floods and droughts. Gender and equity issues are embedded in the program, including participation of women’s leadership in AWBs, FOs and WCAs, ensuring access of women farmers to support activities, and promoting the development of female professionals in the implementing agencies.
The achievement of the project objectives will be measured by the following indicators of output:
Component 1.3 Under SWAT Project
Insufficient information is hampering the ability of Sindh to properly deliver canal water services, manage water and environmental resources, and support agricultural growth. The HAI program will help Sindh build the foundation needed for filling this information gap through application of new tools for monitoring both water and agriculture. This integrated approach will help Sindh leap-frog into a modern water and agricultural management system where decisions across the scales are informed by continuous, reliable, and accessible data.
The project will support a “HAI Center” which will be a service provider for the IWRD, Agriculture Department, Environment Department, and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). These departments will collect the ground-based information and send to the Center where the collected ground data will be processed and complimented with remote sensing data, into a series of data products and tools to allow the users including the departments to make better management decisions. FAO, through its GCF funded project “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” will provide additional support to the HAI program
The HAI program will utilize a sophisticated GIS based platform with associated databases that will include the following data elements: i) remote sensing; ii) canal flow monitoring; iii) groundwater monitoring; iv) environmental information; and v) agrometeorological monitoring. Services envisioned to be provided through the HAI Center in collaboration with relevant departments include: i) crop monitoring and productivity reports; ii) canal flow monitoring reports; iii) water balance reports; iv) flood monitoring and mapping; v) drought monitoring; and vi) agro-met communication to farmers. The HAI Center will also be responsible for measuring agricultural water productivity in the pilot FO subprojects.
The HAI Center operations will be contracted out to the Mehran University’s Center for Advanced Studies in Water with staff seconded from both the IWRD and the Agriculture Department. The project will finance the operations for the HAI Center as well as a TA program to help set up its operations. The general structure of the HAI Center is presented below
Civil works are required in components 2 and 3 of the project. Component 2 is involved with major civil works for rehabilitation, improvement, and modernization of irrigation infrastructure by renovating degraded canals, installing new types of water control and flow measurement structures etc. to make water delivery more reliable, flexible, efficient, and equitable. The proposed portfolio of civil works under Component 2 of project are for the following sub-components:
2.1 Integrated FO area Agriculture Development
2.3 Left Bank Main Canals
2.4 Right Bank Preparatory Studies
Civil Works under SWAT
This subcomponent will contribute, together with subcomponent 3.2.1, to the funding of subprojects supporting the improvement of irrigated agriculture development within FO areas (command areas of distributary canals). This subcomponent will finance the modernization of the distributary systems managed by the FOs. It will complement the rehabilitation works already completed under WSIP on the main canals of the three existing AWBs (with the exception of Akram Wah Canal which will be rehabilitated under this project). The modernization program would eventually need to be expanded to the entire irrigation system, including on the right bank of Indus River if found successful and accepted in the 3 pilot distributaries/ minors which will be selected in existing three AWBs. If it is found that this modernization concept is not successful and not accepted, then other options of modernization will be sought.
Under SWAT, activities will be implemented on selected distributaries on the left bank of River Indus, within the three existing AWBs. FOs will be selected based on their willingness to embrace the modernization concept on a pilot basis. They will be guaranteed an improved service (more reliable flow) at the head of the distributary. SIDA will accompany the FOs for the irrigation scheduling based on crop water requirements.
A study is being implemented by SIDA (using its own staff) with technical assistance from ITRC to design the modernization works for three distributaries. Cost estimates resulting from that study would then be extrapolated to determine the command area / number of FOs that would be benefitting from this subcomponent based on budget allocated.
a) Presentation of the modernization concept to various FOs and selection of the most interested ones
b) Definition of specifications of water delivery service at the head of distributary and signing of service agreement between AWB and FO.
c)Training of FO for the implementation of irrigation scheduling process based on crop water requirements.
d)Installation of groundwater monitoring system at FO level
e)Training of FO on groundwater monitoring and management
f)Operation and maintenance of modernized infrastructure (implemented by FO using their own resources, but temporary financial support for incremental O&M cost might be required) .
g)Engineering design and supervision (PIC-Distributaries).
1) Construction of broad crested weir at the head of the distributary canal (where possible)
2) Construction of long crested weirs as cross regulators for upstream level control
3)Construction of new outlets to watercourses with improved flow control
4)Construction of regulating reservoirs to improve water distribution efficiency
5)Rehabilitation and/or addition of social structures and canal crossings as need be
6)Construction of FO offices as need be. .
i) TA from ITRC (for distributary canal modernization design and quality control).
j) Preparation of a pipeline of distributary canal modernization studies (for next phases of investment).
k)Preparation and implementation of environmental and social management plans.
Construction of four cross regulators at (RD 04 cross regulator, RD 111.6 Gaja cross regulator, RD 330.7 70th Mile cross regulator & RD 351.4 Kazia cross regulator). The works include the ground investigation, jungle clearance, dismantling of existing old structures dewatering, earthwork, sheet piling, structure, stone pitching, bridge bearing and deck, gates to control and energy dissipation arrangement, road works and metal works.
Lining of 04 RDs from RD 0 to 04 & retaining wall of 33 RDs both sides from RD 04 to 37.
Earthwork from RD 37 to tail end including Jungle clearance, earthwork in embankment and channels to make the canal straight, and stone pitching to strengthen the canal embankments, where required.
Replacement of siphons & Aqueduct.
Replacement/Rehabilitation of Bridges along Akram from head to tail.
Reconstruction of Direct Outlets and pump houses along Akram Wah from head to tail.
Reconstruction of all head regulators of branch canals and distributaries/minors head to tail.
Replacement of Akram Wah escape at RD 382.8.
Construction/Rehabilitation of AWB buildings at Badin and Darogha Landhi at all Cross Regulators.
Installation of devices for water measuring, monitoring and accounting system at key places in the canal command. at all Cross Regulators.
Rehabilitation of Railway Bridges
Replacement of Foot Bridges.
Civil Works under SWAT
The irrigation system on the right bank of River Indus suffers from a lack of investment in the past decades and the canals are in dilapidated condition. The same kind of investment that was done for the left bank under the predecessor project (WSIP) is now required on the right bank.
There are also severe sedimentation issues affecting the right bank canals which require some drastic changes in hydraulic regime. A pre-feasibility study is being completed under WSIP project for the rehabilitation of the three right bank main canals (Dadu, Rice and Northwest Canals). The recommended option encompasses a re-allocation of the discharges between Rice and Northwest canals, with the objective to ensure an appropriate supply to the Warah Branch Canal (off-taking from NW Canal) while resolving the sedimentation issues in the main canals. Two additional interventions will also be required on these canals for improved flow control: modification of their Direct Outlets and calibration of all canal head regulators following ITRC guidelines.
Project would finance detailed feasibility studies and design, ESIA & RAP of major canal works, including Dadu, Rice, NW & Warah Canals
Civil Works under SWAT
Component 3 also involves civil works, mainly for the following: Laser Land Leveling, Water course lining, Storage tanks, High Efficiency Irrigation System and other building construction works.
a) Construction of water storage tanks: The project will facilitate participating farmers. The farmers having farms with sufficient water available to be stored would be provided financial support (40% cost share) for construction of storage tank to create a reliable water source for supplemental irrigation of crops.
b) Lining of water courses: For lining, donor share will be 80% of total cost (which will cover all material costs) while farmers would bear 20% share in shape of kind i.e., labor, mason and excavation during execution.
1) A building for “Centre of Excellence for Salinity & Reclamation Research” at Tandojam will be constructed.
2) Glass house of Soil Salinity and Reclamation Research Institute Tandojam and all (06) district soil and water testing laboratories in project area will be renovated/ rehabilitated.
3)06 screen houses (one at each district Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Badin soil and water laboratory) will be established.
4)New modern lab equipment, vehicles, farm implements, glass-wares and chemicals, will be purchased.
5)Existing damaged laboratory equipment/ machinery will be repaired.
6)Plastic/ earthen pots/ trays, plastic drums, plastic sheets, sprayers, seeds/ plants, genetic material etc. will be purchased. .
The overall objective of this component is to help establish the institutional framework for integrated water resources management.
Component 1.1: Policy and Institutional Reforms : This subcomponent involves the formulation of a water resources law for Sindh province, the restructuring of the Irrigation Department into the Irrigation and Water Resources Department (IWRD), and comprehensive water pricing reforms.
Water Law : Sindh does not currently have a water resources law. The current water legislative framework consists of the Irrigation Act, 1879 (IA); the Sindh Water Management Ordinance 2002; and the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014 (SEP Act). A new legal framework in the form of a water resources. act is required to create a unified framework for water resources management that recognizes both: (i) the multi-functional nature of the canal network, and (ii) the need for better management of water as a natural resource. In accordance with the Sindh Water Policy, it is expected that a multi-sectoral Sindh Water Resource Commission will be established to help coordinate the sustainable management of water resources in the province. The development of new legislation will be undertaken based on extensive stakeholder consultation with the Government, private sector, and civil society based on an agreed roadmap. The draft text will be finalized for submission to the Government accompanied by a detailed commentary and an outline of the subordinate legislation necessary for the implementation of the new act.
Restructuring into an Irrigation and Water Resources Department : Develop and implement a plan for restructuring and capacity building for the Department to fulfill its functions under the Sindh Water Policy and proposed new Water Law. This will include ensuring a professional irrigation service and rationalizing the Department’s size over time, and as well creating water resource management functions and expertise within the IWRD.
Component 1.2: Sindh Strategic Water Plan : Building upon the Sindh Water Policy, this component will support the preparation of the first ever “Sindh Strategic Water Plan” (SSWP). It is expected that the SSWP will be institutionalized and prepared on a periodic basis (every 5 to 10 years). The plan will address key water and environmental issues, including strategic directions on infrastructure development, water allocation, and water related environmental priorities. The SSWP will be prepared under the coordination of the PCMU and with support relevant departments, including the Irrigation Department and the Agriculture Department. The SSWP should be formally adopted by the Sindh government through the to-be established Sindh Water Resources Commission. Future SSWPs are expected to be prepared under the coordination of the IWRD after it has been suitability strengthened through Component 1.1 Extensive stakeholder consultations, communication, and media outreach will be employed throughout the preparation of the SSWP. Preparation of the Plan will be also be supported by the Hydro-Agro Informatics Program (Component 1.3).
The overall objective of this component to improve the delivery of canal water services to enhance agricultural water productivity and to improve overall water resources management.
Component 2.1 Integrated FO Area Development-SIDA. The project aims to finance around 40 integrated FO area agricultural development subprojects in the 3 AWB areas where the previous project (WSIP) improved the main canal networks: Ghotki, Nara, and Left Bank AWBs. An average FO command area is around 5,800 ha (14,000 acres) and includes 24 WCAs which average around 250 ha (600 acres). In the Sindh administrative system, the Irrigation Department supports the AWB and the FO canal networks up to the WCA off-take point; the Agriculture Department supports the WCA canal network as well providing agricultural technical assistance. In the past the Agriculture Department investments were not synchronized with the Irrigation Department investments. This created some inefficiencies as the entire network at all three levels—AWB, FO, and WCA, needs to be upgraded to reap full benefits.
SWAT will address this issue by ensuring that investments under Component 2.1, which are managed by SIDA, and investments under Component 3.1 which are managed by the Agriculture Department, are co-located in the same FO command areas. This will help to directly address the water-agriculture nexus. One of the key PDO indicators is improving agricultural water productivity in these 15 FO subprojects, and thus this will require the close collaboration between SIDA and Agriculture Department. At least two of the FOs will also be selected for intensive pilot to conjunctively manage surface water and groundwater within the FO command areas; successful implementation of two pilots is an intermediate results indicator.
The FO subprojects cost will be split between two components, half managed by SIDA (Component 2.1) and other half managed by the Agriculture Department (Component 3.1). The FO subprojects were broken into two components to facilitate financial management and procurement, but they are in fact “integrated FO Area Development” subprojects. These 15 FO subprojects represent only around 10 percent of the total number of FOs in the three AWB areas—and thus can be considered as pilot subprojects. Activities under Component 3.2, Smart Subsidies and Wheat Procurement Reform, and Component 3.4, Developing Agricultural Value Chain, will also take the FO subprojects into account to boost overall agricultural productivity
The FO subprojects will be community driven development activities supported by SIDA and the Agriculture Department. The FOs will be selected based upon a set of criteria such as: i) location in the canal network to ensure quality service from the AWBs; ii) organizational strength of the FOs and willingness to modify it rules and regulations to meet the modernization requirements; iii) signing a “FO Area Development Plan” with SIDA and the Agriculture Department; and iv) signing an Improved Water Delivery Agreement (IWDA) with the AWB.
Irrigation modernization investments under Component 2.1 at the FO level include i) new head regulators and flow calibration; ii) long crested weirs for better upstream water level control; iii) new WCA off-takes that allow for flow control and measurement; iv) earthworks on canal banks to restore minimum freeboard and ensure access to offtakes; v) groundwater monitoring instruments (piezometers) at FO level. Other investments that may considered include: i) “social” structures such as canal paths, crossing, and access structures; ii) canal compaction to reduce seepage; iii) FO offices; and iv) tube wells for conjunctive management of groundwater. Other improvements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Component 2.2: AWB and SIDA Support: This component will strengthen the capacity of the AWB to deliver reliable service to the FOs and the capacity of SIDA to support the FOs. This will involve a mix of institutional support, training, and technical tools with a focus on behavioral changes. Specific activities include: i) financing the incremental operating costs for SIDA and the AWBs on a declining basis; ii) implementing institutional reforms for the AWBs and FOs as outlined in the Sindh Water Policy; iii) supporting the establishment of two new AWBs on the Right Bank of the Indus River; iv) training and development of tools for improving canal operations and irrigation service delivery; and v) support for behavioral changes through field level leadership program.
Component 2.3: Left Bank Main Canal: This component will finance the renovation of Akram Wah Canal, a 116 km long canal with a command area of 187,000 ha (462,000 acres) that also supplies bulk water to many cities, towns, and villages—including Sindh’s second largest city Hyderabad. The renovation will restore the original canal flow capacity and improve associated water control structures to enable more effective distribution of water within the command areas. This will complete the main canal renovation for the three AWB command areas that are the focus of the irrigation modernization program under SWAT.
The component will also finance studies for improving the operation of the main canal networks, such as increasing the regulating capacity within the canal network. Where physical investments are required, the component will finance the necessary environmental and social studies per the ESMF () and RPF. Depending upon the size the investments, these could be financed either the first SWAT project or follow-up projects.
Component 2.4: Right Bank Studies and Emergency Works: The canal network on the Right Bank of the Indus River Indus suffers from a lack of investment over the past decades and the canals are in a dilapidated condition. An investment program to upgrade the main canals—similar to the investments under WSIP which focused on the Left Bank, are required as a starting point to address the water-ag nexus on the Right Bank. The Right Bank command areas are plagued by low levels of agricultural productivity, excessive levels of soil salinization, and wide-spread poverty. The largest and previously most ecologically important freshwater lake in Pakistan, Manchar Lake, has been rendered biologically dead.
The component will finance detailed studies for the renovation of three main canals on the Right Bank supplied from Sukkur Barrage (Dadu, Rice and Northwest Canals), as well as the Warah branch canal. The total command area for these canals is around 800,000 ha (2 million acres). The technical studies include feasibility studies, design, and tender document preparation. An ESIA/ESMP will be prepared for the investment program along with RAPs and, where necessary CAPs, that will meet World Bank policy requirements. The preparation of safeguard documents will follow the processes laid out under the ESMF. The second project in the SWAT SOP may consider financing the actual investments. In addition, this component includes a provision of funds for urgent rehabilitation of the most damaged structures that are in near-collapse condition.
Area and Focus: The Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Project focuses on strategically selected areas under three Area Water Boards (AWBs) in Sindh: Ghotki Feeder Area Water Board, Nara Canal Area Water Board, and Left Bank Area Water Board. The project gives priority to 15 Farmers' Organizations (FOs) within these AWBs and their nearby regions, ensuring targeted interventions to enhance water management and agricultural productivity.The proposed component has the following activities, which will be carried out, on priority basis, in the selected 15 FOs of the 3 AWBs, to complement with the activities of the component 2 of the SWAT project.
Improvement of Water Courses (Fresh Lining): a) Fresh Lining This activity will comprise of lining/ improvement of watercourses, on priority basis, in the selected 15 FOs of the 03 Water Board Areas of Sindh. It would support improvement of water conveyance efficiency and ensure supply of water from various water sources for irrigating the crops. It has been observed that a significant portion of irrigation water (about 40%) is lost in the earthen watercourses. The main sources of water losses are seepage, spillage, and side leakage from the watercourses,
Complete Lining of partially improved watercourses under different projects. t is proposed that water courses will be taken up, to complete Lining of partially improved watercourses up to 50% of total length of the watercourses for the water conservation and increased efficiency to supplement the development object of the project.
Installation of High Efficiency Irrigation System (HEIS) HEIS irrigation system is a pressurised type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface. The goal is to place water directly into the root zone and minimize evaporation. Drip irrigation systems distribute water through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. Depending on how well designed, installed, maintained, and operated it is, a drip irrigation system can be more efficient than other types of irrigation systems, such as surface irrigation or sprinkler irrigation.
HEIS were introduced in Sindh under SIAPEP but there is need to supplement these efforts in the SWAT command areas also. It is proposed that with other interventions of Project HEIS should also be supported with cost sharing basis of 60:40% i-e: 60% will be borne by the Donor and 40% will be borne by the beneficiary / Farmers share in shape of Demand Draft or Pay Order in favour of SSC.
Water storage Tanks for HEIS.uAs the project is proposing to install HEIS on 2000 Acres, to facilitate participating farmer, Water Storage Tank is essential to be constructed at the HEIS site.
Solar System for Approved Lift Pumping Machine watercourses
Presently, solar powered water pumps are globally restricted to applications where other
energy sources are not feasible/available. The technology is advancing steadily, especially in the
developing world like Asia and Africa. Its main uses have, however, been for drinking and smallscale
irrigation.
Pakistan is building solar power plants in Azad Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan. The
program is under development by the International Renewable Energy Agency, China, and
Pakistani private sector. Pakistan has also set a target to add 5%, approximately, 10,000 MW
electricity through renewable energies by year 2030 besides replacement of 10% diesel with bio
diesel by year 2025.
In Sindh and in the three AWBs, there are several watercourses which lifts its water share from the
canals as their lands are lying above the supply levels of the canals and cannot feed with natural
gravity flow. Lifting water with electric or diesel-powered pumps is expensive and electricity is
not available all the time due load management by the government. To covert such pumps to
solar power, the project will provide support at cost sharing to these farmers.
Provision of Precision Laser Land Levelling Equipment.
The component will strengthen LASER land leveling services in the project area through
provision of LASER levelers to the farmers on subsidized rates. A brief narrative about LASER land
leveling technology, its benefits, need gap, implementation procedure, selection criteria for farmers
and subsidy is discussed below.
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) Land Levelling is the
best option for improving water productivity through minimizing water application losses. Use of
LASER technology in the precision land levelling was introduced in the Punjab during 1985 through
on farm water management (OFWM) program. It has proved to be a highly efficient tool for
achieving a high degree of precision for carrying out PLL operations in much lesser time.
Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a promising approach to address the interlinked challenges of food security and accelerating climate change’s aims to simultaneously achieve three outcomes: Increased productivity by producing more and better-quality yields fetching better market prices. Enhanced resilience by improving farmer’s capacity to adapt and grow in the face of longer-term stresses like increased heat stress, drought stress, shortened seasons and erratic weather patterns. Reduced emissions by pursuing lower emissions for each calorie or kilo of food produced and avoiding deforestation by agriculture and identify ways to absorb carbon out of the atmosphere. Any practice that achieves any two of the above three objectives is categorized as Climate Smart.
Smart Subsidy and Wheat Procurement Reform This component pilots a smart subsidy program to help achieve a shift towards higher value, water thrifty crops. Currently, 90% of the crop area in Sindh is occupied by water thirsty crops like sugar cane, rice, cotton and wheat etc, and only about 20% with water thrifty crops i.e., oil seeds, pulses and horticulture etc. Area under oil seeds and pulses has recently even declined. This has caused a huge loss in foreign exchange due to increasing dependence on import. While the four major crops are important for food security and as raw material for industry, it consumes major part of our precious water resources which is unsustainable in the long run due to increasing demand of our industry and domestics needs. At the same time, we aredepriving farmers of an opportunity to earn better incomes with horticulture crops and consumers from diversity in diet.
Component 3.3 Agriculture Information Technology for surface and groundwater users better reflecting resource protection objectives, and
Strengthening of Agriculture Extension System: This subcomponent will finance; (a) capacity building of the implementation departmental wing; (b) Modernization of existing programs and facilities managed by the agriculture extension wing (c) supporting continuation of ICT expansion and existing center and sub-centers at divisional level
Crop Reporting Service Center: Strengthening Sindh Agricultural Statistics System (SASS) : The main objectives of the CRSC are to collect and prepare reliable and in-time area and production estimates of crops and make them available to the planners and policy makers. These crops include wheat, cotton, rice, and sugarcane called major crops and maize, chilies, mung, mash, sesame, soybean, fruits, gram, oilseeds, tobacco, lentil, potato, onion and barley called minor crops.
Modernizing the Agriculture Market Information Management System in Sindh : In Sindh and Pakistan, generally trading of most fresh agriculture produce (including fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and livestock) takes place in wholesale markets called Mandis. There are about 70 such Mandis in the 24 Districts of Sindh -see the list given below. Currently, 52 of these have formal markets with proper structure while the remaining are operating out of informal infrastructure. These Mandis are managed by a Market Committee on behalf of the government -see the composition and functions of the market committee (given below). The Agriculture Department, Marketing Wing supervises the work of these Market committees (see details below for structure and mandate). The current trading system is governed by Agriculture Produce Marketing Act 1939. When the produce enters the market an entry fee is charged and the data is recorded. This is the main source of earning for the Market Committee – see details below for the data on the incomes in the last 10 years. The produce then proceeds to the shop of one of the selected Commission Agents who will conduct the auction, at his turn, in front of several buyers. During this auction, a representative (Market Inspector) of the Market Committee will be present and will record the final offer from the buyers. In this way all the daily arrivals and prices are recorded in the books of the Market Committee.
This component supports overall project liason, and ensures the integration of the components to address the water–agriculture nexus. It is implemented by the Project Coordination Monitoring Unit (PCMU).
The PCMU has been mandated to liason of SWAT, and currently utilizes SBIP funding for this purpose and is headed by a Project Coordinator and includes three Directors: Water, Agriculture, and Monitoring and Evaluation. The PCMU will be suitably strengthened under the project with support from a Project Management consulting firm, technical support from FAO, and individual consultants.
PCMU consists of following five sub components.
4.1 Project Management Consultants. The Project Management Consultants (PMC) will provide implementation support and technical assistance to the three project implementing units (PIU): PCMU, SIDA, and AD to achieve the project objectives. The broad scope of work includes the three general sets of activities
Provide project management support to the PCMU, SIDA, and AD and other agencies involved in the project, including but not limited to project planning, procurement, financial management, progress monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Provide technical assistance support to PCMU, SIDA, and AD across all project activities, including (but not limited to) support in supervision of consultancy contracts including quality assurance, and guidance in achieving SWAT-related PBCs.
Facilitate institutional synergy and coordination to help interactions between the PCMU, ID/SIDA, and the AD, and ensure close liason between FAO activities and SWAT The PCMU will be assisted by a Project Management Consultant firm.
4.2 FAO Technical Assistance: FAO will provide technical assistance to ensure linkages with their ongoing activities in Sindh, including the GCF-funded project “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” and European Union funded project “Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP)”.
4.3 Wheat Procurement Reform Support Wheat Procurement Reform Support. The Sindh Food Department (SFD) is responsible for managing the provincial wheat procurement reform process. The SFD is not an implementing entity under the project. The Agriculture Deaprtment and PCMU will therefore support the SFD in matters related to wheat procurement and strategic reserve reform through the contracting of consultant services for technical assistance and other related expenditures. The Agriculture Deaprtment and PCMU will also collaborate with the SFD on managing the reform transition process.
4.4 Trainings and International Linkages: The trainings and international linkages component under Project Coordination & Monitoring Unit will be done by national/international trainings, seminars, workshop, conferences and exposure visits to understand the best practices in different regions of the word. This component is aiming to facilitate procurement, monitoring & evaluation, water management, smart agriculture, environment and social, finance and administration. Moreover, the outcome of these training programs would be to develop capacity building as well as enrich skills of experts in relevant field. The Training component will include the areas of Participatory Irrigation Management and Farm Machinery, Remote Sensing, Groundwater Monitoring & Management, Drought Risk Management, Flood Risk Management, Irrigation Scheduling, Upstream Control, Flow measurement, Improved Irrigation, Advanced Irrigation Management, Project Management, Result Based Management and Performance Measurement, Managing Financial Reform, Performance Based Budgeting, Programmes and Project Budgeting and Cost Control, Social Development, Flood Management, Climate Smart Agriculture, Water Resource Management, Environmental management, Social safeguard management, Environmental and Social Compliance, Sediment Monitoring & Analysis, Flow Management, Smart Agriculture, Water Productivity. Water Resource Management, sustainable water productivity.Water Laws, Hydraulic Modelling, GIS, Water Productivity, Salinity, Ground Water, Reclamation, Statistics and any other area which has direct/indirect relation with project outcomes. For SWAT project there is a need to develop capacity of officials in the concerned departments, including irrigation department, agriculture department, SIDA and PCMU. Under capacity development, the concerned officials will be trained and equipped with the right skills and tools required for tracking the progress of the projects and ensuring the achievement of relevant PBCs and other deliverables of the projects in time.
4.5 Incremental Operating Costs: The PDD is typically not an implementing department but rather oversees provincial planning and development activities. The PCMU, however, will assume the role of an implementing entity for Component 1 and coordinate multiple departments under SWAT. Component 4 therefore includes budget to cover the incremental operating costs, including staffing, incurred by the PCMU to support the implementation of SWAT.
Sindh water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project inaugural workshop held at SIDA secretariat Hyderabad.attended by World Bank, Agriculture, Area Water Board, FAO, PCMU officials and farmers. On that occasion aims and objectives of project discussed in details. On 10th January 2023
A Project Steering Committee (PSC) for implementation of the World Bank financed Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project constituted.
The Final Draft of the Sindh Water Policy was presented to the Sindh Cabinet for approval, and after thorough discussions, it received approval for adoption.
Sindh water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project inaugural workshop held at SIDA secretariat Hyderabad.attended by World Bank, Agriculture, Area Water Board, FAO, PCMU officials and farmers. On that occasion aims and objectives of project discussed in details. On 10th January 2023
A Project Steering Committee (PSC) for implementation of the World Bank financed Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project constituted.
