ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR IMPROVEMENT OF WATER-COURSES FOR FOOD SECURITY IN BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN

:Present study sought to assess the “National Programme for Improvement of Water-courses/water Storage Tanks” project in Baluchistan province of Pakistan. The study selected purposively five districts of Balochistan province namely (1) Loralai, (2) KillaSaifullah, (3) Pishin, (4) Mastung and (5) Sibi. Sample of 300 farmers; sixty (60) farmers from each district were selected by using simple random sampling method. The quantitative data thus collected were statistically analyzedusing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that per hectare yield of various crops, fruits, and vegetables was increased to a greater extent due to the improved irrigation practices in the area. Farmers' knowledge regarding latest irrigation methods was enhanced. However, only the farmers of Mastung district were satisfied with the construction and maintenance of watercourses/tanks whereas other four districts farmers were not satisfied. Farmers indicated that their income level was also increased. Results further depicted that farmers also faced problems in adopting the latest improved technologies of irrigation such as rough lining of water courses, improper utilization of raw material and low competency of EFS which affect the farmers understanding of improved irrigation practices in their area. Key words: Assessment, Balochistan, Impact, NPIW, water-courses