Economics of irrigation infrastructure and schemes for smallholder mango cultivating farmers of Srinivaspur at Kolar district in Karnataka

Abstract

This paper attempts to identify the thought process of small farmers to adopt new government schemes and subsidies. It also evaluates government investments in the irrigation infrastructure especially, on the farm-pond in the form of subsidies and schemes. Primary data collected from 320 small mango cultivating farmers in Srinivaspur taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, India using a structured interview schedule from April 2016 to March 2017 are used in this study. The data set was analysed using descriptive statistics like the arithmetic mean and percentage method. The magnitude of benefits absorbed by the economy and enjoyed by the respondents have been analyzed. Krishi Vonda is not serving the purpose without any additional source of water supply. It is not a recharging pond but it is only a supplementary irrigation source for one or two irrigation need in times of water scarcity. The study results suggest corrective measures towards issues on the insight for future deliberations and recommend government, may withdraw Krishi Vonda, which is not beneficial to small mango growers. The govertment could concentrate to rejuvenate the groundwater level rather than investing in the irrigation infrastructure.