Participatory Irrigation Management Programme in Gujarat

The basic philosophy of participatory irrigation management programmes in Gujarat as in other states has been to transform irrigators from beneficiaries to partners in the planning and development of irrigation. An analysis of the experience of the programme shows that farmers' involvement in water management has indeed led to a better and smoother resolution of irrigation-related conflicts. However, the other expectation that the programme would reduce state expenditure has not materialised as yet. Water users' associations will have to be more efficient in making allocative and investment decisions. For this a clarification of legal rights is imperative.