Using Non Parametric Approach to Explore Groundwater use Efficiency of Spring Maize in Bari Doab, Punjab Pakistan

Abstract

In this contemporary world, researcher and policy makers are trying hard to nourish the expanding population in long term. One school of thought is trying to cope with the scenario of diversifying individual’s diet and other is emphasizing on increasing supply of food. With the passage of time extra food is the prime need keeping in view limited resources. In agriculture water is a significant player but alarming situation of water scarcity is adversely affecting the fate of Pakistan’s agriculture. Without improving production efficiencies, we could not meet the need of future generation. Present research is conducted with the intention to quantify the irrigation water used by spring maize and to investigate the various factors affecting the water use efficiency of spring maize in Bari doab. Primary data of 312 respondents from head middle and tail (104 from each location) of Depalpur distributary (District Okara) were surveyed by employing Multistage sampling technique. Results indicated that, on an average, 2915 m3 per acre of water was used to produce spring maize in the study area. Farmer residing in the middle location of the irrigation system achieved 83 percent of groundwater use efficiency. Farming experience, schooling years, tube well ownership, watercourse lining, and quality of subsoil water had a positive and statistical significant impact on groundwater use efficiency, while farm size had a negative influence on efficiency. Policy recommendation includes Government may invest in lining of watercourses to improve groundwater use efficiency of the farmers.