Exploring the Rewards and Consequences of Wastewater Irrigation in Vegetables: Case Study of Central Punjab, Pakistan.

The main focus of the study was to explore the rewards and consequences of wastewater irrigation in vegetables in the central Punjab. Two highly populated districts of the Punjab (Lahore & Faisalabad) were purposively selected as the targeted research area. Data were collected from randomly selected 120 vegetable growers from each district who used to do vegetable farming using wastewater. Total sample size of the study was 240 vegetable growers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by conducting research survey. Interview schedule as well as interview guide was used as the research instruments. The data thus collected were analyzed using SPSS for interpretation. Findings revealed the most prominent reason behind wastewater irrigation was uncertainty about energy supply. In addition, majority of the respondents were aware about health associated hazards (Hepatitis, Nausea etc.) of wastewater produced vegetables. It was further concluded that there exists a difference between mean of perceived rewards/incentives received from (especially untreated) wastewater irrigation in vegetables and mean its consequences/disadvantages. Therefore, it is recommended that timely and effective campaigns must be launched in the extensive vegetable growing areas for reduced use of wastewater irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]