LAND AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF WHEAT IN THE WESTERN INDO-GANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The purpose of this study is to analyze variations in wheat yields and to assess the range of factors affecting wheat yields and profitability of wheat production in the selected irrigation systems in India and Pakistan. The study attempts to identify constraints and opportunities for closing the existing yield gaps. It is hypothesized that substantial gains in aggregate yields can be obtained by improved water management practices at the farm and irrigation-system levels. The study was conducted in the Bhakra canal system of the Kaithal Irrigation Circle in India (BCS-India) and the Lower Jehlum Canal system in Chaj sub-basin in Pakistan (LJCS-Pakistan). Six watercourses on head, middle and tail reaches of two distributaries in each country were selected for detailed field-level data collection. Data on various wheat production activities and input use, including irrigation water use from both canal-water and groundwater sources were collected for 216 farms in BCS-India and 218 farms in LJCS-Pakistan on a daily basis throughout the rabi season (winter cultivation season) from October 2000 to May 2001.