Analysis of Productivity Gap and Agricultural Water Productivity Improvement Planning with the Empowerment Approach of Farmers and Aquifer Sustainability(Case Study: Qazvin Plain)

This study was donein three phases; “Determination of water productivity gap”, “Systematic analysis of water productivity improvement strategies” and “Presentation of water productivity improvement plan”. Irrigation water productivity in plain scale was estimated 40 to 50% of water productivity potential. In Wheat, Barley and Corn crops 47, 52 and 30 % of yield gap was related to inappropriate water supply (amount, time and distribution uniformity) and 31, 32, and 52% of yield gap was related to inappropriate application of fertilizers in the fields. In Qazvin plain, irrigation water productivity in agronomy sector in the ten year period, from 2006 to 2016, has increased by an average of 4.9 % annually (from 1.17 to 1.74 kg/m3). With irrigation systems and crop pattern modification, there is ability to upgrade water economic productivity and increasing the farmer's incomewith reducing water harvesting. The aquifer status can be improved if modern pressurized irrigation systems be developed with cultivation level control or water harvesting control. Investigation the conceivability of strategies also showed that institutional barriers and social constraints are the main barriers to productivity growth. Based on strategic mapping method, presented strategies for improving water productivity were categorized in three groups; initiation, mediation and termination strategies. The most important threats to productivity improvement were quantitative and qualitative degradation of Qazvin aquifer and soil degradation due to improper use of plastics in farms. Initiation strategies for improving water productivity are farmer’s education on irrigation and productivity, and attracting their participation in the formation of water conservation and exploitation associations. By improving water productivity over a 15-year period groundwater abstraction in the agricultural sector can be reduced to programmable water levels (877million cubic meters). without harming the livelihoods of the farmers and the agricultural economy. Using this productivity improvement potential requires multispectral planning and control on water abstraction.