Study of Challenges Faced by Farmers Related to Irrigation Water for Increasing Crop Production

The objective of this study was to evaluate the groundwater scenario in Haveli block of Pune district in Maharashtra, India. An interdisciplinary approach and techniques in both natural and social sciences was used, to unravel how local hydrogeological conditions and institutional arrangements interact and contribute to water problems. The study also attempted to understand the sources of water available for irrigation, methods of irrigation followed by farmers and to suggest how to improve the surface water use for increasing crop yield and area coverage. The study helped to understand the scope for conservation and protection of natural water resources, reduce overexploitation of groundwater and mitigation of water scarcity faced by the community. Fortunately the present government policy encourages the use of micro-irrigation for promoting sustainable agriculture and to cover larger areas under assured irrigation.