The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : World Bank’s reform pays off

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 22, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

World Bank’s reform pays off

M. Malleswara Rao

Irrigation efficiency reportedly goes up by 5-10 p.c.

HYDERABAD: A water management reform suggested by the World Bank is appreciated and implemented by 22 States, in contrast to the general criticism levelled against the conditionalities allegedly prescribed by the bank for extending loans.

For the first time in the country, canals under projects like Nagarjunasagar, Krishnagiri, Almatti and Bakra Nangal in the States have been handed over to farmers, seen by the bank as the real stake-holder of water, to ensure optimum utilisation of available storages.

As a result, irrigation efficiency has reportedly gone up by at least five to ten per cent in the States, with water users’ associations (WUA) formed with farmers, covering additional crop lands.

A feedback available from a cross-section of the WUA members, who attended a national convention here on December 19, indicated that the “participatory irrigation management” (PIM), the reform suggested by the World Bank, has paid off in the States.

Water supply

Under the reform, water is not supplied to crops without the consent of WUA farmer-members who discuss crop pattern and finalise working-table for water release, keeping in mind the travails of the tail-end land users.

“Thus, fights among farmers is avoided and judicious use of water is ensured”, was the refrain from many a farmers who attended the convention.

Over 50,000 WUAs are functioning in 22 States which have accepted the PIM concept, covering over 1.5 crore acres. It is in vogue in 60 countries, including Mexico, Japan, Indonesia and the US.

Involvement of the farmer is suggested as water has turned scarce, leading to a drastic fall in the annual per capita availability of water to 1,820 cubic metres (cm) in 2001 from 5,200 cum in 1951. It is likely to dwindle to 1,340 cm by 2025 unless corrective steps are taken, cautions Intizar Hussain, Executive Director, International Network on PIM, Pakistan.

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