‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎124r] (246/949)

areas^StiU^more^Jtartlh^g ecm^lustons are arrived 3l l^ ? t °, mm ^ dable
and oulturable areas We find by rough measurements that in Pemkn Stan
at present only some 80 square miles, out of thp '779 -i jr 7 bldI1 ^eistan
J .re under .priug Ip cuW,.Si° ' „lrr‘" i ' d
miles are so cultivated, out of 510 square milts of Sormuandrf land 7 10 S, “"' e
.. , 13- . , lhe „ lm P ortant matcrial advantages to be derived by both Persia and
Afghanistan from a proper control of the Helmand above Seistan are too
tTeri.tpS ,t“sr 7 to D »at rt pr: j „;? .rrr n fr
maC“- ,l0rded bj f, ’ r i, " 3c; ‘ !iri S tl " ir pros^A,7°S’ab™
1st —
The engineering works involved, although by no means of great
magnitude m our eyes, are, from want of requisite knowledge
and necessary funds, out of the power of either Persia or
Afghanistan to execute.
To distribute the water in an economical manner, and to give both
Persian and Afghan lands their fair share thereof, would re
quite a tiained establishment at the head-works, under a stron°*
and impartial management. Persia and Afghanistan are both
incapable of providing this.
The large extension of cultivation which an improved system of irrigation
would cause, would of course necessitate a railway line to carry off the surplus
produce. ^ r
14. In calculating the profits of a canal system in Seistan, one may take
as a safe basis the financial results of the big perennial canals of the Punjab,
with such modifications as are necessary in view of the following facts, i.e.,
(i) The irrigation works required are of less magnitude, and should not
exceed the average initial cost of Punjab canals.
(ii) The absence of heavy rainfall makes the cost of annual repairs less
than that of the Punjab canals.
(iff) The general average of the soil of Seistan is superior to that of the
perennial Punjab canal tracts. This will be readily admitted
when I say that the soil of Seistan is homogeneous and of one
quality, being most finely divided delta deposited clay loam.
(iv) The fine silt laden water of the Helmand is more fertilising and
enriching than that of the average of Punjab rivers.
(v) Present average prices of agricultural produce in Seistan are low.
Wheat and barley can be roughly estimated at Re. 1 to Rs. 1-8
per maund, but a railway would probably raise this rate.
(vi) As against (v) is the fact that, owing to (iii) and (iv), the average
yield per acre is high. I calculate it at the very high rate of 20
maunds per acre. On manured lands it is much greater. The
present methods of agriculture are very careless and wasteful.
Improved methods would result in large yields of produce.
(vii) All Persian and Afghan Seistan is State land. There are no
private rights in land or water.
15. It will he seen from the above that a satisfactory solution to the
problem stated in paragraph 3 has been found. The profits to be derived
from carrying it into practical effect are tempting. Thanks are due to the
able exertions of Messrs. Ward, Johns, and Tate in acquiring the information
and data required for the solution of this problem.
-P. —The maps and plans are sent in a separate cover. Please acknow
ledge by telegram the safe receipt of this report and separate enclosures.