36. Determining operational efficiency and capacity building of vegetable growers installed drip irrigation systems
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Abstract
Drip Irrigation System is the most efficient irrigation water saving initiative. Technical know-how, capacity building of beneficiaries is prerequisite for sustainable adoption, mitigating minor repair and efficient running of the system. The data pertains to the year ending Dec 2018 of vegetable growers installed Drip Irrigation System in Rawalpindi district Punjab Pakistan. The district having in total 27 sites have taken up for study. The data collected through validated questionnaires in person from 135 acres vegetable grown, 108 acres 4 acres from each 27 sites under drip irrigation and 27 acres, 1 acre with conventional irrigation system, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Descriptive analysis summarized by applying Student’s t-Test. The research concludes that 100% vegetable growers preferred to go for Drip Irrigation System. The ultimate objective, water productivity increased by 15.55 kg/m3. As regards operational efficiency 38.5% facing problem in filtration unit, 31.1% in distribution unit and 5.2% in pumping unit. Repair is being carried out 59.25% by companies. It is assessed, for capacity building only one day training was organized for 77.78% and none for 22.22% pathetically. Crop production plan was provided by the companies to 85% beneficiaries, substance wise 52.17% growers considered good, 3.48% very good, only 4.55% found the best and 44% placed the backup services as poor. Majority 52% suggested to hold 3-5 days session. 8% proposed for upscaling the existing DIS with computerized one, 7% demanded for enhanced warranty period covering 5 years and 15% for provision of electricity.
Keywords: Capacity building; Drip irrigation system; Operational efficiency; Operation and Maintenance; Punjab; Pakistan; Rawalpindi