Participatory Irrigation Management in Andhra Pradesh: Promise, Practice and A Way Forward

The state of Andhra Pradesh has been leading in economic reforms in India, particularly, within the irrigation sector. Major steps are focused on institutional reforms towards irrigation management turnover all over the state. In this connection, the state has formed 10292 water users associations and 174 distributory committees. As a major positive change, the state government has done away with contractors for all maintenance and repair works. All irrigation lands in the state get equal financial and physical attention for improvement. Both farmers and officials have realised benefits in the process. With some modifications in the present approach the state can become a model state both within and outside the country. This paper looks at the promises made, the actual practice, and future potential of the whole approach.