Economic analysis and management of irrigation systems under subsidized electricity regime in the semi-arid region of Andhra Pradesh, India

The growing demand of water supply, combined with limited water deposits and their irregular spatial and temporal distributions lead to serious problems with social and economic consequences. The degradation of water resources is often accelerated by farm support policies, which makes these problems more and more difficult. India has the highest withdrawal of water for irrigation purpose compared to the other developing countries. Despite of the higher withdrawals state governments are offering subsidies for agricultural sector to extract the groundwater. This book investigates the impact of subsidized electricity policy on groundwater extractions, crop production and its influence on the economic values of groundwater as a supplementary source. On one hand, the subsidized electricity prices have a positive impact on total water application and production. On the other hand it influences the value of groundwater and stabilisation value of groundwater under conjunctive use. Hence, the book is mainly focused on the supplementation values of groundwater due to lower electricity prices and stochastic surface flows. In order to reduce the stochastic surface flows, it also deals with the management options and its impact on the values of groundwater. In addition, it also shows the impact of community participation on the management of irrigation of systems and the major driving forces that influences collective and non-collective action for conserving the common pool resource.