Traditional irrigation system in Pakistan

Traditional irrigation systems in Pakistan have been used for centuries, primarily in rural and agricultural areas. The most common traditional methods include:

1. Persian Wheel (Rehat): One of the oldest and widely used systems, this method involves a water-lifting device operated by animals like oxen or buffalo. A series of buckets attached to a rotating wheel lifts water from a well or stream and distributes it into the fields.

2. Karez System: Found mainly in Balochistan, this ancient system consists of underground tunnels that tap into groundwater sources, channeling water from higher elevations to lower areas for irrigation.

3. Shaduf: A simple hand-operated device consisting of a long pole with a bucket at one end and a counterweight at the other, used to lift water from a river or pond to irrigate fields. It’s mostly used in smaller plots or where water sources are close to the surface.

4. Flood Irrigation (Sailaba): This method is practiced in areas close to rivers, where seasonal floods naturally inundate fields. Farmers channel this water into their fields using small embankments to retain it.

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These traditional irrigation systems, while sustainable and culturally significant, often face challenges of inefficiency and water wastage. Modern irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems are being introduced to improve water conservation in agriculture.