Role of Irrigation & Water Resources Research in the Economic Development of Nation by Adnan Hassan

Abstract

One of the main causes of prosperity of developed nations is the extensive application of science and technology in almost the entire fabric of their economy. The developing countries have lately come to realize the importance of research as vital ingredient of economic growth and consequently are endeavoring to mobilize their indigenous resources to boost up their developmental activities with the assistance of modern technology. But, by and large, the Research and Development activity in the Water Resources sector, a very essential element for systematic growth of infra structure is however still very much neglected. The investment in Irrigation and Water Resources research has been universally recognized as capable of appreciable reduction in the overall cost of management of water resources in addition to boosting up technological capabilities of the man-power and developing new techniques/innovations. This article, apart from discussing the need for establishing Irrigation Research Institute, their part in effecting/exercising quality control through sustained testing in major developing works to meet the diversified needs of the ever-growing technological age. It also briefly outlines the activities of the Irrigation Research Institute, Lahore; its past achievements and future programs.