INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IN IRRIGATION SECTOR - A SUCCESS STORY

In light of the past experiences and future options, State Agricultural University (Dr. PDKV) Akola, Irrigation Division, Akola and Sinchan Sahyog, (Voluntary organization) Akola are continuously working jointly from last 5 to 6 years to modernize the existing irrigation systems operations through the network of Water Users’ Associations mainly in the command of Katepurna Irrigation Project and also other irrigation projects in the Akola district. Initially with poor water utilization scenario, efforts were made to identify worst affected situation. Accordingly strategies have been finalized and adopted to solve the problems and to improve the water utilization scenario in the Katepurna river Irrigation Project and also in other irrigation projects in Akola district, step by step. In Akola district the total irrigation potential is around 21,530 ha with live storage of 199.25 Mm3. At present in the district, 38 registered WUAs are working, covering the area to the tune of 9203 ha which is 43 per cent of the total command area. The irrigated area in Akola district is increased from 6626 ha to 122269 ha with water saving of around 15.50 Mm3. This could only be possible due to the improvement in the irrigated systems operations, involvement of WUAs and awareness created amongst the beneficiaries. On the strength of achievements in the Akola district, it is inferred that irrigation management transfer to the project beneficiaries will lead to sustainable agriculture, efficient and economic use of water. Considering the outcome of these efforts Government of Maharashtra has reformed the irrigation sector by bringing in force the new irriga tion act as," Participatory Irrigation Management by the farmers in Maharashtra State-2005."