Water Productivity Enhancement Through Regenerative Climate Smart Agriculture (WP-RCA) (Pilot Project) (2022-23 to 2024-25)

Project Objectives

The major objectives of the project to pilot test climate smart regenerative agriculture technologies at the Water Management Research Farm in Renala Khurd Okara would include:

  • Pilot testing of climate-smart regenerative agriculture technologies: The project aims to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of various climate-smart regenerative agriculture technologies. This may include testing practices such as agroforestry, organic farming, cover cropping, conservation tillage, and other sustainable farming techniques. The objective is to determine the suitability and performance of these technologies in the local context.
  • Assessing the impact on soil health and fertility: The project seeks to examine the impact of the pilot-tested technologies on soil health and fertility. This involves analyzing soil composition, nutrient levels, organic matter content, and other indicators of soil quality. By understanding the effects of climate-smart regenerative agriculture on soil health, the project aims to promote sustainable farming practices that can enhance long-term productivity and resilience.
  • Evaluating water productivity improvements: Another objective of the project is to assess the impact of climate-smart regenerative agriculture on water productivity. This involves measuring water use efficiency, irrigation techniques, and water conservation practices implemented during the pilot tests. The objective is to identify strategies that can enhance water productivity, reduce water consumption, and improve overall agricultural sustainability.
  • Monitoring environmental impacts and biodiversity: The project aims to monitor the environmental impacts of the pilot-tested technologies, such as changes in greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and biodiversity. This includes evaluating the potential benefits of regenerative agriculture practices in mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity conservation. The objective is to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
  • Disseminating knowledge and promoting adoption: The project intends to share the findings, lessons learned, and best practices from the pilot tests with the farming community and relevant stakeholders. This involves conducting training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns to promote the adoption of climate-smart regenerative agriculture. The objective is to encourage farmers to implement these practices and enhance their profitability, while also contributing to broader sustainability goals.

Overall, the project aims to pilot test climate-smart regenerative agriculture technologies at the Water Management Research Farm, Renala Khurd Okara, with the objectives of assessing their performance, improving soil health and water productivity, monitoring environmental impacts, and promoting their adoption among the farming community.

Project Components

The major components of the project at the Water Management Research Farm (WMRF), Renala Khurd, include:

  1. Pilot testing and demonstrating automated systems for water accounting, budgeting, and irrigation scheduling.
  2. Demonstration and pilot testing of state-of-the-art precision agriculture machinery to improve water productivity.
  3. Training and capacity building on regenerative agriculture, precision agriculture, remote sensing/GIS, and climate-smart interventions/technologies.

These components aim to optimize water use, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable and climate-smart farming practices.

Gestation Period

  • The project has a gestation period of three (03) years, from 2022-23 to 2024-25.

Project Cost

  • The total cost of the project is Rs. 51.590 million

Location

  • The project will be implemented at the Water Management Research Farm located in Renala Khurd, Okara.