ESTIMATES OF THE ECONOMIC VALUE PRODUCTIVITY OF IRRIGATION WATER IN PAKISTAN FROM FARM SURVEYS1

Data from two cross-sectional surveys totaling over 2000 farmers in Pakistan are analyzed with regression techniques to estimate the value productivity of irrigation water and related resources. Returns to irrigation water vary by province, but in general are found to be high relative to estimated costs of obtaining water. Salinity of water supplies is an important productivity depressant. The results will be useful in determining the economic feasibility of various means for augmenting supplies and for improving delivery and application efficiencies.