Evaluating the Impact of Water User Associations on Irrigation and Agricultural Productivity in Assam: A Case Study of Nalbari District

Abstract

Transforming institution-building for the attainment of irrigation is crucial to the economy's balanced development of agriculture. Over the years, agriculture's performance in the irrigation sector has sunk due to inadequate management and poor farmer participation, affecting the economy's balanced development. Therefore, Govt of Assam has been pushing to form a Water user association (WUA) under the Irrigation Water User Act, of 2004. Participatory management, involving farmers as users, is widely used in water distribution, overseeing operation and maintenance. The PIM approach proposes the equitable and economic distribution of water for irrigation, with local participation. It results in a spike in productivity in agriculture. The study explores water usage among WUA members in Assam, focusing on irrigation schemes and their socio-economic benefits for local farmers. The study reveals that due to effective coordination between regional irrigation departments and WUAs, farmers are better informed about PIM and canal construction, thereby enhancing production, but still requires rural areas in Assam to be connected with PIM for adequate capacity. The study recommends that continuous policy reforms are needed to improve community participation in Assam, tackle the current challenges in PIM, and enhance the effectiveness of WUAs.