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Can India raise agricultural productivity while reducing groundwater and energy use?

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  • M. Dinesh Kumar
  • Christopher A. Scott
  • O.P. Singh

Abstract

This paper provides empirical evidence that power tariff reform with pro rata pricing and higher unit rates for electricity not only would promote equity, efficiency and sustainability in groundwater use, but also would be socio-economically viable for small-holder farmers. It shows that the arguments of "high transaction cost" and "political infeasibility" used against metering are valid only in specific regional contexts and under increasingly outmoded power-pricing and agricultural-production regimes, if one considers the recent advancements in remote sensing and the facts that overexploited regions have a low density of wells and are mostly owned by farmers who constitute a small segment of the farming community.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Dinesh Kumar & Christopher A. Scott & O.P. Singh, 2013. "Can India raise agricultural productivity while reducing groundwater and energy use?," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 557-573, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cijwxx:v:29:y:2013:i:4:p:557-573
    DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2012.743957
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shah, Tushaar & Scott, C. & Kishore, A. & Sharma, A., 2003. "Energy-irrigation nexus in South Asia: Improving groundwater conservation and power sector viability," IWMI Research Reports H033885, International Water Management Institute.
    2. Birner, Regina & Gupta, Surupa & Sharma, Neeru, 2011. "The political economy of agricultural policy reform in India: Fertilizers and electricity for irrigation," Research reports reginabirner, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Kumar, M. Dinesh & Amarasinghe, Upali A., 2009. "Water productivity improvements in Indian agriculture: potentials, constraints and prospects," IWMI Books, Reports H042634, International Water Management Institute.
    4. Musa Asad & Ariel Dinar, 2006. "The Role of Water Policy in Mexico : Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Growth Considerations," World Bank Publications - Reports 10307, The World Bank Group.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jayanath Ananda & Mohamed Aheeyar, 2020. "An evaluation of groundwater institutions in India: a property rights perspective," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(6), pages 5731-5749, August.
    3. M. Dinesh Kumar, 2016. "Distressed Elephants: Policy Initiatives for Sustainable Groundwater Management in India," IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, , vol. 5(1), pages 51-62, January.
    4. M. Dinesh Kumar & R. Maria Saleth, 2018. "Inequality in the Indian Water Sector: Challenges and Policy Options," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 12(2), pages 265-281, August.
    5. Dennis Wichelns, 2015. "Water productivity and water footprints are not helpful in determining optimal water allocations or efficient management strategies," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(7), pages 1059-1070, November.
    6. Sidhu, Balsher Singh & Kandlikar, Milind & Ramankutty, Navin, 2020. "Power tariffs for groundwater irrigation in India: A comparative analysis of the environmental, equity, and economic tradeoffs," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).

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