An Economic Analysis of Public Interventions for Amelioration of Irrigation-Induced Soil Degradation

The study has reported the impact of public interventions for ameliorationof soil degradation through subsurface drainage technology in theTungabhadra Project area in Karnataka. The primary data, obtained from105 farmers of TBP area, have been analysed using budgeting, discountedcash flow measures and gini ratio. The provision of subsurface drainagethrough public interventions, has increased the productivity of landappreciably (166 per cent) and has provided a source of regular income(Rs 13,636/ha from paddy) to resource-poor households. The technologyhas been found to be cost effective, socially acceptable and economicallyfeasible. The equity analysis has indicated reduction in inequalities inincome distribution during the post-drainage period. The study hassuggested that the government should aim at encouraging and educatingthe affected farmers in adopting subsurface drainage technology on alarge-scale.