OPERATIONAL SYNERGISTICS IN CONJUNCTIVE USE MANAGEMENT OF SURFACE & GROUNDWATER

Abstract

In this dissertation, the physical components have been identified, the understanding of which is thought to be of vital importance in conjunctive use management of surface and groundwater. An attempt has been made to understand the behaviour pattern of the farmers under different circumstances and factors influencing them in choosing a particular crop combination. Their views were ascertained through a set of questionnaire by personal interviews and group discussions. Quadratic programming has been used to explain the decision pattern of the farmers in selection of crop combination. An optimum cropping system from among several individual crops differing in expected income and variance of income, fulfilling the objective of management and truely representing the decision pattern of the farmers has been proposed. Quadratic programming has been used to arrive at an optimum combination. Analysis on the working of groundwater markets, their impact, economics of water selling including monopoly enjoyed by WEM owners has been made. The information/data required to carry this analysis was obtained through personal interviews of owners and buyers in the study area. Possible form of groundwater market after ascertaining the views of farmers and taking the aspects of efficiency, equity and fear of overexploitation has been discussed. Possibility of providing a separate energy source alongwith relative economics of various alternatives has been explored. Study also explores the adjustments that farmers of study area perfers in coping with depletion of aquifer, 20 adjustments were identified and public perferences for them were determined through survey conducted. For the purpose of analysis, the adjustments have been categorised into 'five" groups; users practices, management policies, financial policies, technological fixes and others. To understand how best to organise those persons and groups involved in agriculture, farmers views were taken and past literature on the subject was reviewed. After taking holistic view an project organisation after carefully studying the existing bureaucracies and CADA has been suggested. Water users organisation at water course level has been suggested. A model representing participation of water users' has been prepared seeking a new role of Govt. in stimulating farmers' participation. The assessment of production potentiality of the study area has also been made. The techniques used are multiple regression and factor analysis. . Socio-economic analysis both •at individual level and village level has been carried out to identify : the important factors in socio- economic development of the area.