Maharashtra : policy options for participatory irrigation management -- farmer organisations and organisational and procedural changes

Traditional systems like phad, Malgujari tank, and Kolhapur type weirs were constructed by communities without government intervention. After independence, the state pioneered community participation through its efforts with cooperative societies for sugar and dairy industries. The state has also led others in transferring management responsibilities of users through turnover programs. As Maharashtra moves into a new phase of participatory irrigation management, in support of the 1987 National Water Policy, it is appropriate to examine its progress and direction. The purpose of this report is to synthesize the experiences of past efforts with farmer organizations, organizational and procedural changes, and turnover; to analyze the successes and failures and identify lessons learned from the experiences; and suggest next steps. (Author abstract)