Rainfall Uncertainty and Drought Proofing Strategies by farmers in Southern India

Palanisami K; Suresh Kumar D; Mohanasundari T

doi:10.34256/ijceae1915

Palanisami K Emeritus Scientist, International Water Management Institute (IWMI). New Delhi
Suresh Kumar D Professor (Agricultural Economics), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
Mohanasundari T Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, PGP College of Agricultural Sciences, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34256/ijceae1915

Keywords: Rainfall variation, drought proofing, well investment, cost of water, micro irrigation, waste water reuse

Abstract

Droughts are a common occurrence in semi-arid areas and their frequency and intensity is expected to increase further with increasing variability in rainfall distribution. Based on a study of 120 farmers from 4 districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, this paper identified the range of measures farmers adopt in response to droughts. Despite significant negative externalities, farmers assign higher priority to drilling new wells rather than investing in water conservation structures or demand management strategies. Among the different strategies followed, adoption of drip irrigation and purchase of tanker water for providing life-saving irrigation to perennial crops yield the highest financial return. Expansion of micro irrigation and reuse of municipal waste water are suggested as drought mitigation strategies.

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