Indra's Power : Participatory Irrigation, Farm Productivity and Poverty in Rural Orissa

In recent years Participatory Irrigation Management as a concept has attracted widespread attention. It has been accepted as state policy in a number of countries. In India, Andhra Pradesh was a pioneering state in implementing the concept Orissa was a late starter but by 2002 had already brought out a suitable legislation. This paper draws on findings of an empirical study of participatory irrigation management in the coastal part of Orissa to argue that the newly adopted management practice could lead to a rise in productivity among the small farmers. This paper also argues on the basis of a rapid rural appraisal that rises in productivity does not necessarily translate to reduction in poverty.