The project results indicate that farmers' present practices regarding design, operation and use of skimmed groundwater are not consistent with the hydro-geological conditions of the area.

The critical discharge rate is not an appropriate criterion for using skimming wells to pump fresh groundwater lenses. Other factors such as salinity of pumped water, economics of operation and the rate of recharge in the area should also be taken into account.

The number of strainers can be reduced to 6 from the existing practice of 22 without compromising on discharge rates. Due to low discharges of skimming wells, pressurized irrigation methods are preferred in these areas.

The application efficiency of alternate and regular furrows was 55 and 36%, respectively. The water use efficiency obtained from alternate and regular furrows were 1.70 and 1.10 kg/m³.

To sustain crop production, reduce soil salinity hazard and prevent aquifer degradation, well discharge of 8 l/s with 2 hours per day operation after every week was determined as the best management strategy for the study area. A weekly operational schedule matches the existing 7 days canal water distribution cycle practiced in Pakistan.

Skimming well technology is only appropriate in saline groundwater areas with thin (i.e. less than 30m), shallow and relatively fresh groundwater lenses. Therefore areas of the basin where skimming well technologies are appropriate must be delineated in detail and updated in a regular basis to enable targeted application to improve livelihoods of the rural farmers through contributions to agricultural development.