OPTIMISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER - MICRO AND MACRO POLICY NEEDS FOR THE NEXT MILLENNIUM

Abstract

The supply of easily accessible water resources to fulfil the various needs is globally limited. On one hand water is becoming scarce and on the other hand the use of water in many areas is highly inefficient. In many places, as much as 60% of the water diverted or pumped for irrigation does not reach the crop. The quantity of surface water too is deteriorating due mainly to the disposal of urban and industrial waste as chemical residues from agriculture. The basic and conceptual framework needed to realise how the scarce resource water may be managed in an effective manner is presented in view of the global scenario. On one hand we have a variety of policy options available for water management, while on the other we have the task of reform of public behaviour towards water. Management measures need to be based on probable trends at global and local levels. An analysis of water use in relation to various sectoral requirements like food security, sustainable development, technological development, environmental are presented.