AGRICULTURAL DEMAND MANAGEMENT OF KASHAF RUD CATCHMENT: ESTIMATION OF WATER SAVED AND PROJECT EXECUTION COST

摘要

Iran, with mean annual precipitation of 260 mm is counted as an arid country withrnlimited amount of water resources. According to UN classification report, Iran shall notrnonly experience stress and pressure situations due to shortage of water, but also shallrnencounter sever water scarcity.rnOne of the significant long-term strategic objectives of integrated water management in Iranrnis establishment of balance between water demand and supply at the lowest possible cost.rnMost of the surface water resources of the Kashaf Rud basin are controlled or being used.rnWater levels in most of the groundwater aquifers have declinedrnStudies conducted in 2006-2007 within Kashafrud basin indicate that by application ofrnwater demand management schemes in agricultural sector in the basin area, such asrnpressure irrigation, modifying of cropping pattern, development of greenhouse cultivations,rnand proper reuse of municipal treatment plant sewage effluents, the current situation canrnbe improved and also balance between water consumption and existing recourses canrnpossibly be achieved in future.