Institutional reform and irrigation water pricing in China*

Abstract

AbstractThe management of irrigation schemes in China mainly adopts a management mode of combining professional management by irrigation scheme administration (an irrigation scheme management agency) and self‐independent management by farmers (a water users’ association). This paper summarizes the basic situation of the management system of irrigation schemes and water pricing of irrigation in China, the challenges faced, the progress of reform and the results obtained. Analyses are also given on the reform of professional management organizations of irrigation schemes, the development and roles of water users’ associations, and government support and policy safeguarding measures for the reform. An irrigation water fee is an important source of funds for the operation and maintenance of irrigation schemes. At present, the overall irrigation water price is far lower than the operation and maintenance cost of irrigation schemes, and the collection rate of water fees is relatively low. The comprehensive reform of irrigation water pricing and its progress are presented in this paper. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.