economics of on-farm development - Institute for Social and ...

7.3.5 Constraints in water distribution and management
The issues in water distribution and management in irrigation commands in
Kerala are yet to receive adequate attention in the irrigation management
literature. A possible explanation for this could be the lack <strong>of</strong> farmer's interest in
irrigated farming per se. Furthermore, there are not many reports or complaints
on inequitable distribution <strong>of</strong> water and water- related conflicts across the canal
commands in the state. However, based on the findings <strong>of</strong> the present study,
some <strong>of</strong> the water management related constraints could be identified as: (i)
inadequate supply <strong>of</strong> water across the canal reaches; (ii) non-pricing <strong>of</strong> water
and the subsequent wasteful utilisation; (iii) lack <strong>of</strong> efficient co-ordination <strong>of</strong>
water management activities; and (iv) non-functioining <strong>of</strong> water users'
associations.
The question 'why farmers do not participate in irrigation management at
the desired level' needs a better understanding in Kerala's context. This issue
has greater relevance in the present day context when the new concept <strong>of</strong>
Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) is highlighted as an integral aspect <strong>of</strong>
institutional reforms in irrigation sector in India.
The PIM has been implemented in Kerala as part <strong>of</strong> the Command Area
...
Development Programme. A three-tier farmers' associations at the outiet, canal
and project levels have been contemplated under the PIM programme. There is a
provision under section 17 <strong>of</strong> the Kerala Command Area Development Act, 1986
(Act 37 <strong>of</strong> 1986) for the formulation <strong>of</strong> Beneficiary Farmers' Associations
(BFAs) for one or more pipe outlets. These have been registered under Societies
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