Farmer Networks in Andhra Pradesh
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JALAVANI Newsletters |
Jalaspandana Society is an NGO formed by the farmers’ of Andhra Pradesh representing rain fed, tanks, medium and major and lift irrigation schemes in different district districts of Andhra Pradesh. The decision to form the organization was taken after detailed discussions in the State level Farmers workshop on Water Management held on 8 April 2004 at the Water and Land Management and Training Research Insititute (WALAMTARI). Jalaspandana is registered under the Andhra Pradesh Registration Act of 2001 at Ranga Reddy vide registration number 1778/2004.
Objectives/Goals
- Strengthen Farmers role in water policy formulation and implementation
- Develop networks to generate holistic approach on water management
- Evolve Methodologies for PIM
- Farmer Friendly Technologies in Water Management
- Training Schools on Water Resources
Networks
The organization in coordination with Jalaspandana has developed networks in several districts/projects. In short span of time even with drought like situation in most of the irrigation command areas, the organization has 183 formal network members from various parts of the State representing different river basins. These networks constitute district/project level committees, which in turn work with in their district/project area on regular basin, report and coordinate with State level organization.
Workshops/Conferences
Jalaspandana society is committed to its objectives and has made concerted efforts in attaining its goals. The organization under the umbrella of JalaSpandana – South India Farmers Organisation for Water Management, which is executing the project titled ‘Farmers Network for Water Sector Reform in South India’ supported by International Network for Participatory Irrigation Management, Washington DC has conducted several workshops at district/project level in Andhra Pradesh. Two State Level Workshops have also been conducted. The objectives of the workshops are to promote water users/farmers participation in political process of policy formulation and implementation.
Project/ District Level Meetings Conducted in Andhra Pradesh by Jalaspandana | ||||
| Date | Name of the district/project | Place of Workshop | River Basin | Districts Covered |
| 25-05-04 | Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS). | Alampur X Road, Alampur (M) Mahabub Nagar (Dist) Andhra Pradesh. | Krishna Basin | Mahaboobanagar and Kurnool |
| 3/6/2004 | Warangal. | Hanmakonda (Town), Warangal District | Godavari Basin | Warangal |
| 25-06-04 | Nagarjuna Sagar Project Left Canal (NSLC) | Kodad (Town) Nalgonda (Dist) Andhra Pradesh. | Krishna Basin | Nalagonda, Khammam and Krishna. |
| 27-06-04 | Sri Rama Sagar Project (SRSP) | Choppadandi (Town) Karimnagar (Dist) Andhra Pradesh. | Godavari Basin | Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Warangal. |
| 30-07-04 | Srikakulam | Srikakulam (Town). | Vamshadhara Basin | Srikakulam |
| 31-07-04 | Vizianagaram | Vizianagaram | Vamshadhara Basin | Vizianagaram |
| 1/8/2004 | Visakha Patnam | Visakha Patnam | Vamshadhara Basin | Visakha Patnam |
| 3/8/2004 | Krishna | Vijay Wada | Krishna Basin | Krishna |
| 8/12/2004 | Adilabad | Luxettipeta | Godavari Basin | Adilabad |
The methodology adopted in conducting these workshops is to facilitate participants with materials on the agenda and other logistics and avoid non-farming community dominance during the workshops. The general agenda includes:
1. Issues related to irrigation under Major project.
2. Importance of Farmers’ Networks in PIM.
3. Water distribution system from main project and its problems.
4. Tail Enders water problems.
5. Role of the farmer and WUAs in PIM.
6. Status of canals under Major project.
7. Conflict Resolution for water dispute.
8. Future of APFMIS Act 1997 and WUAs in AP
9. Fisheries in the minor irrigation projects
10. Encroachments of canals.
11. Others.
The members of JalaSpandana and representatives of newly constituted members of district/project committees participated in the following meetings. This method of farmer to farmer transfer of information was very effective in generating debate in the workshops. In all these workshops, participants felt the need to form district/project level farmers/WUAs network to take up the issue on a regular basis and liaison with State level network.
Contact Address:
Andhra Predesh Jalaspandana, Farmers' Organisation for Water Management,
C/o. SaciWATERs, Plot No: 70,
Phase III, Kamalapuri Colony,
Hyderabad - 500 073.
INDIA
Ph: +91-40-23542411.
E mail : Jalaspandana@yahoo.co.in
Last modified 15-03-2005 08:56 AM