Stories by Chaudhary Mohammad Ashraff

Agriculture: Water conservation — a new policy imperative

In many areas where water was once accessible at a depth of around 20 feet, it has now fallen to more than 100 feet, significantly. Published 25 May, 2026 07:47am

Water crisis beyond scarcity

In many peri-urban and irrigated areas of Pakistan, nitrate concentrations exceed well beyond the WHO recommended limits. Updated 11 May, 2026 10:34am

Unregulated tube wells are accelerating groundwater depletion In Punjab

As Pakistan continues to grapple with flooding, unmanaged excess surface water could be used to recharge over stressed aquifers using existing, abandoned canal infrastructure. Published 16 Feb, 2026 07:51am

AGRICULTURE: Restoring Punjab's groundwater balance

As Pakistan continues to grapple with flooding, unmanaged excess surface water could be used to recharge over stressed aquifers using existing, abandoned canal infrastructure. Updated 16 Feb, 2026 11:25am

Drainage failure ravages Punjab farms

The added risk of waterlogging after rains has compounded climate change vulnerabilities for farmers. Updated 11 Aug, 2025 10:01am

Depleting groundwater and the road to change

Over-reliance on underground water reserves are pushing Punjab’s water tables towards a crisis that may be overcome via check dams. Updated 12 May, 2025 12:34pm

Agriculture: Deepening water crisis

Pakistan should prioritise rainwater harvesting as a key solution to address its declining groundwater levels. Updated 07 Apr, 2025 02:31pm

Balancing the crop and water equation

Alarmingly, Pakistan’s evolving cropping patterns are increasingly dominated by water-intensive crops, particularly rice and sugarcane. Updated 10 Feb, 2025 10:30am

Agriculture: Bhal Safai — fixing water losses

Watercourse losses intensify as farmers reduce maintenance and desilting efforts amid evolving socio-cultural shifts. Updated 16 Dec, 2024 02:48pm

Efficient irrigation — Pakistan’s missed opportunity

High-efficiency irrigation systems in the country are limited to around 0.1pc of the total irrigated area due to farmer hesitation. Updated 25 Nov, 2024 09:57am

Agriculture: Water scarcity — an irrigation crisis

With low storage capacity and a stressed groundwater aquifer, Pakistan needs to adopt water-efficient irrigation practices. Updated 30 Sep, 2024 09:33am