Abstract
In this paper, we consider the process of transition from an equitable distribution of water to support semi-subsistence outcomes to market-oriented agriculture. We examine the stresses placed on water institutions as farmers adjust production to become more market-oriented and consider the relationship between farmers and irrigation officials under different scenarios. The paper is used to highlight some of the challenges pertaining to property rights but also considers the dangers of simply transposing solutions from full-market agriculture in developed economies to developing nations and countries in transition. In this context the role of Participatory Irrigation Management is scrutinized. We argue that this approach can potentially accommodate greater flexibility and market orientation in agriculture but ultimately the beneficiary-benefactor relationship between irrigation officials and farmers in parts of South Asia needs to be seriously challenged.
Highlights
Water remains a contentious and emotional topic, especially when it comes to the rules that govern use and sharing (e.g., [1])
In the case of India and Pakistan we argue that there is mounting pressure to have farmers become more market oriented so the contrast with Australia, where almost all agricultural production has a market orientation, is apt
Australian water property rights regimes have been frequently heralded as a means of dealing with scarcity and change [34]
Summary
Water remains a contentious and emotional topic, especially when it comes to the rules that govern use and sharing (e.g., [1]). Setting aside the issue of seepage and evaporation in channels for it is important to note that the distinction between a technically efficient production outcome (i.e., maximum agricultural output given the resources) and an equitable water shortage borne across all users is relatively minor when farmers are homogenous and operating under similar conditions ( this only refers to aggregate production and makes no comment on distribution). Compliance with water take rules designed to equalise scarcity is still weak under many PIM schemes
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