Dynamics of Salinity and Land Use in Punjab Province of Pakistan
Arshad Mahmood Malik1*, Hafiz Muhammad Tayyab1, Muhammad Arshad Ullah2 and Muhammad Talha Bilal3
ABSTRACT
Agricultural economy of Pakistan is vital for provision of food and employment for 207.77 million populations. This economy is mainly threatened by salinity which is expanding to 6.28 mha, thus developing wasteland of 2 m ha due to presence of highsalinity. The injudicious use of brackish underground water is one of the major factorsresponsible for increased salinity ultimately effecting productivity in Pakistan. Salinity hasdevastating socio- economic impact on farmer’s micro economy in Pakistan, directly impactingliving standard, migration, health, the crumbling of houses, and harming tocommunication and transport. The study in hand was designed to investigate the impact of salinity on irrigated area, uncultivated area and wheat area in Punjab using panel data of four agriculture census conducted in1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 in all districts of Punjab. Fixed and random effect model was applied on panel data of Punjab. The area left uncultivated by farmer due to presence of salinity was found to be significantly and positively related to area under salinity in the country. The percent area under wheat crop has inverse relationship with salinity indicating strength of wheat cultivation against salinity. It is therefore three prong strategy is recommended with different roles and responsibility on the part of Farming community, public sector and research institutions. Results of the study have important implications for planners and policy makers in developing projects to mitigate salinity in the country.
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