Sustainability of Ground Water for Sustainable Agricultural Development - A Study in Telangana State

Abstract

Structural changes in the irrigation system in Telangana state over a period of six decades reveal that the shares of tanks and canals in the net irrigated area have declined drastically. Paradoxically, during this period both gross and net irrigated areas have increased substantially due to the abnormal expansion of tube wells and dig wells implying the growth dependence on ground water for agriculture since Telangana state is in the Deccan plateau with low average rainfall and recurring failures of monsoons. Ground water levels in the water basins in a majority of the districts are in a critical/semi critical condition in the state. In the absence of sustainable ground water sustainable agriculture has become a problem and agriculture in the state is in crisis resulting in the growth suicides of the farmers. Rain water is the base for all sources of irrigation and it is to be harvested and stored in tanks, trenches and reservoirs. The preservation and promotion of surface water, in its turn would recharge the ground water and lift up levels of ground water. Sustainable ground water management is also to focus on counseling the farmers to adopt water saving techniques like drip irrigation and dry farming. The twin programs of the Telangana state in the form of “Mission Kakatiya” to renovate tanks as water bodies and Harithaharam” to expand the green belt to facilitate timely monsoons are note worthy in ensuring sustainability to both ground water and agriculture in the state.