Estimating wheat productivity function under capricious irrigation sources: an evidence from the upland Balochistan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the determinants of wheat productivity on varying irrigation sources in the upland Balochistan. Wheat growers including tube well owners, water buyers and rain-fed farmers were selected from the five districts of upland Balochistan. Wheat crop was chosen for its wide coverage and cultivation across the study area. The results of the wheat productivity function analysis showed that among other crop inputs fertilizer and organic farm yard manure (FYM) have significant positive effect on wheat yield. While the number of irrigations (IRRI) has positive and seed rate has negative relationship with wheat yield. The source of irrigation specific dummies shows that yield of tube well owners was greater than that of water purchaser and rain-fed grower. The comparison of wheat productivity of tube well owners, water buyers and water non-buyers shows the economic effect of tube well irrigation on crop productivity by providing a reliable access to irrigation water. The rain-fed farmers got the lowest yield for not having assured irrigation. One of the key findings of this study is that overall productivity can be increased by a reliable water supply through tube wells, the water in excess of own needs can be sold to fellow farmers to ensure the full utilization of tube well capacity. The results also show the importance of tube well irrigation in enhancing productivity leading to self-sufficiency in food production for increasing population.