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

<strong>of</strong> the important studies on the performance <strong>of</strong> irrigation In India has been
presented in what follows.
2.1 Studies on impact <strong>of</strong> Irrigation
The positive effect <strong>of</strong> irrigation on the farm economy is widely recognised
among the researchers. However, researchers, by and large, are faced with the
problem <strong>of</strong> decomposing the irrigation effec{ where a host <strong>of</strong> complementary
and intervening variables are to be considered. For, the productivity augmenting
effect <strong>of</strong> irrigation is determined by various factors, such as change in land use,
intensity <strong>of</strong> cropping. efficiency in the use <strong>of</strong> fertiliser and nutrients, quality <strong>of</strong>
irrigation (quantum, assurance and timeliness In supply), agro-climatic
conditions, pattern <strong>of</strong> rainfall and its distribution. bio-chemical technology. seed
varieties. chemicals and other inputs.
The impact <strong>of</strong> irrigation with particular reference to canal irrigation, on
production, productivity and income from farming has, however, been analysed
by many researchers, especially since independence. These studies have found
positive association between income and the farm size in the canal irrigated
areas. apart from stabilisation <strong>of</strong> farm output (Dhawan 1982, 1985, 1988; Rao el
ul.. 1988). The increase in output per unit <strong>of</strong> irrigated area, though obvious. has
I Dhawan, who has extensively addressed the question <strong>of</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> irrigation, with
particular reference to canal irrigation, suggests a pragmatic approach in analysing the
irrigation impact. lie concludes that: "One interesting way <strong>of</strong> skirting the problem <strong>of</strong>
output decomposition in the case <strong>of</strong> irrigation and its complementary inputs is to take
the logic view that irrigation. being an enabling factor for the use <strong>of</strong> its complementar)
Inputs like chemical fertilisers and HYV seeds. ought to get the entire credit for
whatever rise in output occurs in the wake <strong>of</strong> a switch over from dry to irrigated
farming" (Dhawan, 1988: 31).
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