Water supply strategies for higher land and water productivity in tank command areas of Southern India

Abstract

Abstract Tanks are one of the most important traditional sources of water for irrigation and other livelihood purposes in southern India. The present study was conducted to develop the strategies for enhancing the land and water productivity in tank command areas in the rain-fed regions of Telangana. Three strategies were identified, these strategies include change in the cropping pattern, water saving technologies and conjunctive use of tank with open well/bore well water. Due to change in cropping pattern from paddy to irrigated, dry crops like maize, chillies and cotton increased the cultural command area of the tanks by 79% and net reruns by 43%. The conjunctive use of tank water and well water is the better strategy for optimal resource use and higher returns in tank command areas. Results also showed that the alternate wetting and drying strategy in tank command areas increased the command area by 35%. These strategies can be implemented to increase the water use efficiency, cultural command area and net returns in the tank command areas of Southern India.