An economic analysis of public interventions for amelioration of irrigation-induced soil degradation

Abstract

The study has reported the impact of public interventions for amelioration of soil degradation through subsurface drainage technology in the Tungabhadra Project area in Karnataka. The primary data, obtained from 105 farmers of TBP area, have been analysed using budgeting, discounted cash flow measures and gini ratio. The provision of subsurface drainage through public interventions, has increased the productivity of land appreciably (166 per cent) and has provided a source of regular income (Rs 13,636/ha from paddy) to resource-poor households. The technology has been found to be cost effective, socially acceptable and economically feasible. The equity analysis has indicated reduction in inequalities in income distribution during the post-drainage period. The study has suggested that the government should aim at encouraging and educating the affected farmers in adopting subsurface drainage technology on a large-scale.