Q. The Indus Plain is the most developed physical region of Pakistan. Explain how the relief and drainage of the Indus Plain have made it possible to carry out a variety of economic activities in this region.
Answers
Explanation:
- Agriculture is the second-largest sector of the Pakistani economy, accounting for approximately 21 per cent of GDP
- It is highly dependent upon the Indus River system as farmland is mainly irrigated by water from the Indus River and its tributaries.
- The low cost of water from the country’s irrigation system contributes to the over-exploitation of water resources and makes it challenging to maintain.
- Solutions that address the overuse of water will not be easy to carry out, suggesting they are unlikely to be implemented in the near-term.
Even though Pakistan has limited land suitable for farming, the agricultural sector is a major component of its economy. While Pakistan has an arid to semi-arid climate, it is not physically water-scarce. Its water problems are caused by inefficiencies, waste and mismanagement, all of which are especially present in the agricultural sector. The majority of farmland is irrigated through a canal system that has, historically, provided ample water. In recent years, however, the situation has changed. Pakistan is now facing increased pressure from dwindling water supplies. Supply-side solutions could provide a short-term solution, but long-term solutions necessitate a reduction in the amount of water lost through poorly maintained infrastructure and finding other ways to conserve water.