IWMI Urgently Calls for AI-Driven Irrigation Reforms to Overcome Climate Challenges in the Indus Basin
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) urges AI-driven irrigation reforms in Indus Basin to enhance water productivity, tackle climate challenges, and strengthen smallholder resilience under the WRAP programme.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan has made a powerful call for AI-driven irrigation reforms in the Indus Basin to combat Pakistan’s intensifying climate challenges. During a one-day workshop on AI-Enabled Irrigation Demand Forecasting (IDF) under the UK-funded Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) programme, experts, policymakers, and farmers gathered to explore how digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote sensing can revolutionize water management across Pakistan’s agricultural heartland.
Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, IWMI’s Strategic Programme Director for Water-Food and Ecosystems, emphasized that Pakistan must move beyond reactive water management toward proactive planning powered by intelligent technologies.
“Pakistan’s water challenges are intensifying under climate change, population growth, and recurrent floods and droughts,” Dr. Hafeez said. “Integrating AI-based forecasting tools can improve water productivity and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers.”
Why the Indus Basin Needs Digital Water Reforms
The Indus Basin, home to the world’s largest contiguous irrigation system, is under immense strain. Pakistan faces increasing water scarcity, driven by rapid urbanization, inefficient irrigation practices, and rising temperatures.
The Indus Basin irrigation network — vital for feeding over 200 million people — loses up to 40% of its water through seepage, evaporation, and outdated canal systems. According to IWMI, integrating AI, satellite monitoring, and data analytics can revolutionize how water is allocated and used across farms.
AI-driven irrigation forecasting can help predict crop water demand, optimize distribution, and prevent wastage, offering a lifeline for Pakistan’s water-stressed agricultural sector.
External Link: IWMI Official Website
AI-Enabled Forecasting: A Game Changer for Pakistan’s Agriculture
The workshop showcased the AI-Enabled Irrigation Demand Forecasting (IDF) model, developed to predict irrigation needs using real-time weather data, soil moisture sensors, and satellite imagery.
Experts from the WRAP programme demonstrated how machine learning algorithms can translate climate data into actionable water management strategies. By forecasting irrigation demand, farmers can save water, reduce costs, and improve crop yields — vital steps in achieving climate-smart agriculture.
Such AI-driven irrigation reforms in Indus Basin align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Expert Insights: From Reactive to Proactive Water Management
Dr. Mohsin Hafeez reiterated that Pakistan must shift from “reactive management to proactive planning.” This paradigm shift means anticipating irrigation demand rather than responding after water shortages occur.
AI-based systems, he said, can provide daily irrigation schedules to farmers, helping conserve water during droughts and distribute it efficiently during floods.
“Our goal is to use data to guide decisions, ensuring that every drop counts,” Dr. Hafeez emphasized.
Punjab’s Push for Smart Irrigation Efficiency
Punjab’s Director General of On-Farm Water Management, Engr. Rana Tajamal Hussain, praised IWMI’s digital efforts as “highly relevant” to the province’s water governance priorities.
He highlighted that Punjab’s cutoff time management research — which optimizes irrigation duration — has shown remarkable water savings. Integrating AI can further enhance these efforts.
“Punjab can replicate successful models like Turkey’s irrigation efficiency framework, combining technology, policy, and research to achieve better results,” Hussain said.
Farmer Perspectives and On-Ground Impact
Farmers attending the workshop expressed optimism about AI-driven irrigation systems. They noted that soil moisture sensors, weather alerts, and satellite data can help reduce water wastage, electricity use, and fertilizer expenses.
One participant from Multan said,
“If we get accurate water forecasts through mobile apps, it will change how we farm. We’ll save both water and money.”
The inclusion of farmers, particularly smallholders and women, is critical for equitable adoption of technology-driven reforms.
Aligning AI with National and Provincial Water Policies
Officials from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emphasized aligning these digital interventions with existing laws like the Punjab Water Act 2019 and National Water Policy 2018.
These policies already prioritize water efficiency, groundwater regulation, and modern irrigation, but AI integration can make them more effective and measurable.
Experts suggested that data-sharing frameworks and training programs are essential to operationalize AI tools within government irrigation departments.
Collaborative Pathways for Climate-Resilient Water Governance
The workshop concluded with a collective call for collaboration among government institutions, academia, the private sector, and local communities.
Participants stressed that inclusive governance, capacity building, and open data platforms can accelerate Pakistan’s transition to climate-resilient water systems.
IWMI and its partners under WRAP aim to create a digital ecosystem for water governance, connecting farmers to real-time data and ensuring that climate-smart solutions reach every level of society.
About the WRAP Programme and IWMI’s Role
The Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is a flagship initiative promoting data-driven and climate-smart water governance across Pakistan.
Under WRAP, IWMI collaborates with provincial governments to deploy AI-enabled models, remote sensing applications, and decision support systems that strengthen national water planning frameworks.
External Link: FCDO WRAP Programme
Conclusion: Toward a Smarter, Sustainable Water Future
The AI-driven irrigation reforms in Indus Basin represent a transformative leap toward sustainable water management and climate resilience. By fusing traditional wisdom with digital precision, Pakistan can ensure efficient water use, enhanced crop productivity, and resilient rural livelihoods.
As Dr. Hafeez noted,
“AI is not replacing human decision-making — it’s empowering it. Together, we can make every drop of the Indus count.”
The success of IWMI’s AI-driven initiatives could set a regional benchmark for smart irrigation — showing that innovation, collaboration, and proactive planning can overcome the climate challenges threatening South Asia’s future.
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