Agricultural impact of scarp projects in NWFP [Pakistan]

Mardan and Swabi SCARP are the two major tile drainage projects undertaken in NWFP. This study was carried out to assess the impact of these projects on the local agriculture in terms of changes in the cropping pattern and cropping intensities, yield of major crops, and control of waterlogging and salinity problem. Three sample sites in Mardan SCARP and nine sites in Swabi SCARP area were selected. A questionnaire proforma was prepared and a total of 135 farmers were interviewed in the sample areas. Agricultural landholdings in Mardan and Swabi SCARP areas are very small though the farmers in Mardan area have larger holdings compared to Swabi. Majority of farmers in Mardan and Swabi are tenants followed by owners and owners- cum-tenants. Bigger landholdings and owner percentage of tenants in Mardan may reflect their better economic position compared to the farmers in Swabi. There has been a remarkable increase in the Sugarcane and Maize cultivation in Mardan SCARP area after the project implementation. Favourable soil-moisture conditions have drawn farmersþ attention towards the cultivation of vegetables also, which was not possible before the project. Yield of most crops has doubled after the Mardan SCARP. Average water table in most part of the Mardan SCARP has gone deeper than 1.25 m from the ground surface and the salinity problem is almost solved. No significant change in the cropping pattern and cropping intensities was observed in Swabi SCARP area. Only a slight increase in cultivation of Sugarcane, Wheat and Maize was reported by the farmers, however, there has been 40 to 55 % increases in the yield of these crops. The cropping intensity and crop yields may be expected to increase significantly in Swabi SCARP area also after the irrigation water allowance is enhanced. Waterlogging and salinity problems in Swabi SCARP area have been overcome to a greater extent. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that Mardan SCARP has significantly influenced the local agriculture in term of change in cropping pattern, yield increase, and control of waterlogging and salinity problem; while Swabi SCARP is on its way towards achieving its ultimate goals though with a slow pace. The actual economic rate of return of the Mardan and Swabi SCARPs and other such projects need to be evaluated to see whether the huge investments made in the two projects are really justified.