Participatory irrigation management in Andhra Pradesh, India

The State of Andhra Pradesh has been leading in economic reforms in India, particularly within the irrigation sector. Major steps are focused on institutional reforms towards irrigation management turnover all over the state. The state has formed 10292 water user associations and 174 distributory committees. As a major positive change, the state government had done away with contractors for all maintenance and repair works. All irrigation lands in the major and medium irrigation projects in the state receive equal financial and physical attention for improvement. Both farmers and officials have realised benefits in the process. With some modifications in the present approach, the state can become a model state both within and outside the country. This paper looks at the promises made, the actual practice, and the future potential of the whole approach.