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

Given the range <strong>of</strong> Issues and problems associated with irrigation
development in the country. it is important to note that that scholars tend to
address them in isolation. depending upon the location-specific problems. As
shown in the review. studies have covered the impact <strong>of</strong> irrigation on economic,
social and environmental conditions in different agro-climatic and environmental
contexts where the projects are located. But, not many studies have examined the
linkages. ground realities and stakeholders' capacities to adopt themselves to
irrigated farming. Though OFD is one <strong>of</strong> the major objectives <strong>of</strong> CADA. its
performance continues to be poor as brought out by the limited studies on this
important issue. It has been proved beyond doubt that neglecting OFD is one <strong>of</strong>
the main reasons for the under-utilisation <strong>of</strong> the potential created and to the
increasing adverse effects on soiL waterlogging. salinity and alkalinity. There are
demonstrated evidences. though limited. to show that productivity <strong>of</strong> crops in
plots with OFD is much higher than the plots without it, besides ensuring water
use efficiency. Even so. this problem has not adequately been addressed by the
planners and the kind <strong>of</strong> importance and attention it deserves is not given in the
irrigation planning process.
In Kerala, the studies on irrigation development and its impact on socioeconomic
conditions are few and far between. None <strong>of</strong> the studies address the
reasons for poor performance <strong>of</strong> irrigation projects in the state, particularly, the
impact <strong>of</strong> CAD programmes on productivity as well as effecting better utilisation
and management <strong>of</strong> water. There is no single study where the problems and
. .
constraints with respect to adoption <strong>of</strong> OFD are given even m a passmg
reference. Given the topography and other geographical conditions in the state,
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