Impact of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM): A Case Study of Aunli Irrigation Project in Odisha, India

Abstract

Participation in irrigation Management by Water users can take a wide variety of forms. Farmers can be involved in various system management functions including Planning, design, operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, resource mobilization and conflict resolution. Moreover they can be involved in these functions at various system levels from the field channel to the entire system. The concept of participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) has been recognized, all over the world, as a tool to bring improvement in the management of irrigation. In the Indian context PIM has become very important in view of deterioration of Irrigation system, which has so far been managed by Government Agencies with little involvement of beneficiaries in the process. The purpose of this scheme is for optimum use and equitable distribution of Irrigation water through participation of farmers in operation and maintenance of canals as well as water management for these purpose water users associations (WUA) have been formed in the command areas.

The study discusses all the water users in Aunli Irrigation Project in Odisha, India. After discussing the Project profile and trends of growth of participation in irrigation management, agricultural and economic activities have been analysed. Participation also implies access to knowledge and information related to agricultural and irrigation management. The study reported that the Present impact related to the Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) in Aunli medium irrigation Project is an ideal system of irrigation management in Asia because one of a water users association (WUA) managed by women only. The ability of women to participate meaningfully in this project is very remarkable and very unique in nature all over the country. The first project appears to have succeeded in raising crop revenues, in changing the pattern of irrigation, better irrigation management in the WUA level and in raising the confidence of the water users.