Abstract

 A research study was undertaken to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ETO), moisture index (MI) and aridity index (AI) and analyse their trends in different locations/zones of Punjab. Annual and seasonal ETO was observed to be highest in south-west and lowest in north-east zone. North-east zone experienced increasing trend in annual as well as seasonal ETO. Districts within the central zone had large variability within the zone. MI and AI were in the order of north-east zone followed by Central zone and South-west zone indicating better moisture availability conditions in north-east. Mean difference in annual and seasonal MI and AI also indicated statistical similarities within the districts of north-east and south-west zones but different from other zones. Thus, increasing trend of ETO in north-east region and higher ETO range in south-west zone along with severe moisture availability necessitates the need for more careful planning of water resources in the region.
Highlights
The agriculture sector is the largest consumer of water resources in Punjab
The total water deficit of Punjab is 8.99 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) annually which will increase to 9.12 BCM by 2020 (Anon, 2017)
Reference evapotranspiration can be used for assessment of crop water requirements which is used for maintaining agricultural production and sustaining hydrological cycle
Summary
The agriculture sector is the largest consumer of water resources in Punjab. The total water deficit of Punjab is 8.99 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) annually which will increase to 9.12 BCM by 2020 (Anon, 2017). Reference evapotranspiration can be used for assessment of crop water requirements which is used for maintaining agricultural production and sustaining hydrological cycle. Kaur and Gill (2017) calculated ETO for present, mid and end century at central Punjab using Papadakis method and found rise in water requirement from 2011-2040 (1027 mm) to 2071-2100 (1150 mm). Under such conditions, a profound understanding of water availability can be obtained by studying ETO, MI and AI on spatial and temporal scale. Under present scenario of increasing water crisis in the state, this study may help in better crop planning through judicious use of water
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