Growing Vegetables with Sewerage Water: A Study from Peri-Urban Lahore

Lahore, one of Pakistan’s largest cities, faces increasing pressure on its freshwater resources, prompting many vegetable growers on the city’s outskirts to rely on wastewater for irrigation. While this practice helps ensure year-round vegetable supply and lowers production costs, it raises serious concerns about soil health, food safety, and public health. This study explores the extent, practices, and perceived impacts of using sewage water in vegetable farming among peri-urban farmers in Lahore. A sample of 360 vegetable growers (180 registered vegetable growers and 180 non-registered vegetable growers) was interviewed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The obtained results were categorized into two sections. In the first section, the demographic characteristics were stated. The second section includes respondents' perceptions of sewage water usage and harmful effects. A descriptive statistical analysis was used to find the vegetable growers' age, education, land size, and income sources. Respondents were ranked based on the mean value and score to meet the study's objective. The findings show that only 17.2% of non-registered and 14.4% of registered growers were 61-70, respectively. The registered vegetable growers are more knowledgeable than non-registered growers. At the end, the study stated recommendations for the research, extension, and vegetable growers to enhance training needs assessment of vegetable growers and persuade them to neglect the perception of sewerage water usage for irrigation application.