Promoting Farmer Networks for Water Sector Reforms

World wide the need for farmers to participate in the management and distribution of water for irrigation purposes is recognized. As the water for irrigation purposes is getting scarcer with the passage of time and increase in population the need for optimal utilization of the resources is felt throughout the world. One of the methods identifies is to make the irrigation responsible in which farmers participate in governance, management and financing of irrigation.

The existing norm of top-down approach by the government in the management of irrigation systems has been critically examined for its lapses. Its inadequacy in conservation of water and soils has been highly recognized. Flexibility of this system to accommodate the technological improvements in the field of agriculture is rather limited. The need of the hour is to maximize production per unit of water. Involvement of farmers in the governance, management and financing of water use for irrigation is identified as a necessary element of a solution to this problem

Irrigation Agencies and Governments have so far neglected the role of the farming community in management of water despit being en users and capable of enhancing productivity per unit of land as well as water. This neglected dimension of the farmer needs to be exploited in full measure, if efficiency in the use of water is to be raised. The farmers and his activities in the drama of production needs to be put in focus by the planners and managers of irrigation systems. So far ignoring the ecological value of the resources, they were extended either freeely or at subsidized rates resulting in wastage, low productivity, ecological destruction and increased burden on the State Exchequer.

The Initiative:

INPIM and Jala Spandana, a nonprofit based in Bangalore, India, have Launched a pilot initiative to promote farmer networks in three South Indian States in early 2004. The pilot initiative envisages the promotion of three State wide farmer networks to be coordinated by Jala Spandana. The networks will actively meet regularly to discuss on current issues relating to irrigation to start with and also debate on water policy and farmer roles in irrigation and water resources management. The Networks would also be encouraged to meet officials of the irrigation agencies and lobby with the Government for greater roles for farmer participation. The networks would also documents experiences, strengthen capacities of farmers and water user associations in water sector policy formulation and implementation.

 The Process of registereing state wide networks is well under way in the three South Indian States:

Andhra Pradesh -   A.P. Jala Spandana

Karnataka           -    Pragathi

Tamil Nadu          -    Tamil Velaan Neervala Niruvanam ( TVNN)