In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, a critical study is shedding new light on how water is used in agriculture, with potential implications for farmers and policymakers alike. The Priyadarsini Jurala Project (PJP), a lifeline for the drought-prone Mahabubnagar district, has been under the microscope in a recent study published in the ‘International Journal of Bio-Resource and Stress Management’. The research, led by T. L. Neelima of the Agricultural Polytechnic in Palem, focuses on two key performance indicators: the supply-demand ratio and the water utilization index (WUI).
The study reveals that the irrigation supply in the PJP command area is more than the demand, a finding that could reshape how water resources are managed in the region. “The calculated monthly supply-demand ratio showed that the irrigation supply was more than demand,” Neelima explains. This surplus could be a game-changer for farmers, potentially allowing for the cultivation of higher-value crops or the expansion of existing ones.
However, the research also highlights disparities between the left and right canals. The WUI was found to be lower for the left canal compared to the right, indicating that water utilization is not uniform across the command area. This discrepancy could be due to various factors, including infrastructure differences or variations in crop patterns.
The study used remote sensing data from IRS P6 LISS-III and AWiFs sensors to monitor crop areas over two years. The principal crop grown during the kharif season was paddy, with 37.2% of the area under the right canal and 62.8% under the left canal. The monthly net irrigation requirement (NIR) was calculated using the CROPWAT model, providing a detailed picture of water usage in the region.
The commercial impacts of this research could be significant. For farmers, a better understanding of water supply and demand could lead to more informed decisions about crop selection and irrigation strategies. For policymakers, the findings could guide investments in infrastructure and water management practices, ensuring that water resources are used efficiently and equitably.
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in agricultural water management. By highlighting the importance of performance indicators like the supply-demand ratio and WUI, it sets a precedent for similar studies in other regions. As Neelima notes, “The irrigation performance assessment of any project is judged using performance indicators.” This study underscores the value of these indicators in optimizing water use and improving agricultural productivity.
In the quest for sustainable agriculture, every drop of water counts. This study is a step towards ensuring that those drops are used wisely, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.