Water Users Association and Irrigation Management - Institute for ...
Water Users Association and Irrigation Management - Institute for ...
Water Users Association and Irrigation Management - Institute for ...
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As seen from the survey data presented in Table-8.S in the l<strong>and</strong>s aftected by moderate<br />
salinity the cost of cultivation is the same as that of normal l<strong>and</strong>s whereas the net revenue<br />
was less. However, the cost of cultivation was found to be maximum in l<strong>and</strong>s affected by<br />
moderate waterlogging in both the villages because farmers showed more concern <strong>for</strong><br />
controlling waterlogging. Even then the yield levels are not found very satisfactory.<br />
Although the average margms obtained iTom these l<strong>and</strong>s is less the farmers have no choice<br />
but to cultivate <strong>and</strong> to maintain their motivation to earn a livelihood. Also in moderately<br />
atlected areas. if the l<strong>and</strong>s show a slight deterioration, the chances are high that farmers<br />
would stop investing on such l<strong>and</strong>s. Thus. it becomes necessary to motivate farmers <strong>for</strong><br />
improved practices on such l<strong>and</strong>s to stop further deterioration of the l<strong>and</strong>s. In severe<br />
salinity <strong>and</strong> waterlogged l<strong>and</strong>s. the net income is less indicating that these areas are<br />
becoming economically less viable to cultIvate. Moreover, farmers opined that it is very<br />
diflicult to neutralize the adverse effects by mere investing in inputs. In such areas agency<br />
intervention is necessary to reclaim the at1ected l<strong>and</strong>s. They also complained that in the<br />
past two years, the marginal income from waterlogged <strong>and</strong> saline areas has come down<br />
substantially.<br />
Constraints on crop production<br />
Given the chalknges of monocropping <strong>and</strong> irrigated agriculture it was appropriate to assess<br />
the various production constraInts that the farmers faced. Table-8.6 below presents the way<br />
in whIch famler' s rank constramts on production in both Gundur <strong>and</strong> Hagedal.<br />
Table 8.6: How Farmers Prioritize Constraints on Production<br />
- --- -- --<br />
Constraints Gundur Hagedal<br />
Most serious constraint Crop pest Price fluctuation<br />
2 nd most serious constrai~t Lack of knowledge Deteriorating infrastructure<br />
,rd ---:-<br />
3 most serious constramt -Salinity <strong>and</strong> -waterlogging Salinity <strong>and</strong> waterlogging<br />
Other problems Shortage of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> Poor health oflivestock,<br />
fragmentation, pnce tluctuation shortage of labour<br />
debts<br />
Source: Own survey_<br />
200