1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) (Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)) - India

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

22/04/2023

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Approach

The group micro-irrigation (GMI) approach encourages farmers to share water more sustainably by facilitating cooperative management of irrigation resources. The aim is to improve water security and agricultural productivity by promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and addressing the behavioural factors that influence water resource sharing.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

The group micro-irrigation (GMI) approach encourages farmers to share water more sustainably by facilitating cooperative management of irrigation resources in semi-arid regions. The aim is to improve water security and agricultural productivity by promoting climate-resilient agricultural (CRA) practices and addressing the behavioural factors that influence water resource sharing. By treating water as a shared community resource rather than private property, GMI promotes equitable distribution and sustainable use of limited water resources among farmers by organizing farmer groups and utilizing shared water management infrastructure.
The GMI approach is divided into four major components: (1) supply-side groundwater management to recharge and conserve water sources, (2) demand-side management via efficient micro-irrigation systems, (3) promotion of CRA practices to improve soil health, and (4) integration of applied research to develop tools that allow farmers to assess and improve their agricultural practices. These components aim to optimize water use, reduce crop production costs, and encourage farmer collaboration for shared resources and access to advanced agricultural technologies.
The primary objectives of the GMI approach are to improve water productivity, enhance crop yield, and reduce dependency on groundwater for irrigation, especially in regions facing water scarcity. Through group collaboration, the approach also aims to reduce individual investment costs for farmers, facilitate access to subsidies, and increase resilience to climate fluctuations. Additionally, by integrating CRA practices, GMI supports sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to long-term soil health and ecosystem stability.
The GMI approach involves several methods, including:
•Groundwater Management: rainwater harvesting and construction of soil and water conservation structures to replenish groundwater levels.
•Micro-Irrigation Systems: installation of shared drip and sprinkler irrigation systems that optimize water use and are accessible to all group members.
•CRA Practices: seed treatment, crop spacing, intercropping & trap cropping, applying farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and organic waste compost, and making use of organic inputs, Bio-pest management practices including the use of pheromone traps, light traps, and bio-pesticides.
•Applied Research: use of tools like crop water budgeting, groundwater testing, and field book record-keeping, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions.
The implementation of GMI involves four stages:
•Planning and Assessment: identifying suitable villages, farmer groups, and available water resources. Farmers with similar irrigation needs are grouped based on geographic proximity and water source access.
•Infrastructure Development: establishing common irrigation systems and water conservation structures, including dug wells, check dams, and pipelines.
•Training and Capacity Building: educating farmers on CRA practices, irrigation management, and using applied research tools for decision-making.
•Monitoring and Evaluation: regular assessment of crop and water productivity, adjustment of practices based on field data, and continuous training to ensure sustainability.
The GMI approach involves a range of stakeholders:
•Farmers: key participants who manage day-to-day operations, share resources, and implement CRA practices.
•Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR): the primary implementing organization, providing technical support, training, and ongoing assessment.
•Local Government: supports funding for infrastructure, provides access to subsidies, and helps promote CRA practices.
•Agricultural Experts and Researchers: developing tools for applied research and supporting data analysis to improve productivity and water efficiency.
Farmers value the GMI approach for a variety of reasons, including lower individual investment, access to reliable water resources, and increased crop productivity. The cooperative aspect has strengthened community bonds and ensured equal access to resources. However, some farmers were initially hesitant to share water resources and bear the upfront costs of micro-irrigation systems. These concerns faded as the benefits of increased productivity and resource efficiency became clear.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

The primary goal of the GMI approach is to boost agricultural productivity by ensuring consistent irrigation access, particularly in water-scarce areas. It focuses on improving water use through shared micro-irrigation systems, ensuring efficient and equitable resource distribution among farmers. Furthermore, the approach encourages climate-resilient practices that improve soil health and crop resilience, allowing farmers to adapt to climate variability. By encouraging collaboration within farming communities, GMI creates a cooperative framework for sharing resources and lowering individual costs. Finally, it seeks to improve rural sustainability by reducing production costs, increasing income stability, and promoting food security.

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	interactive	Local farmers were actively engaged during the initiation phase, participating in discussions facilitated by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to understand the benefits of the GMI model. They expressed their interest in sustainable water management practices
planning	interactive	Farmers contributed to planning sessions where they identified their needs and preferences for irrigation practices. They collaborated with WOTR to outline the logistics of water sharing and resource management
implementation	interactive	Local farmers played a crucial role in implementing the GMI model by assisting in the installation of irrigation infrastructure, such as drip systems and automation technologies. They also participated in de-silting the selected well to enhance its capacity for water storage
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	Farmers were involved in monitoring the effectiveness of the irrigation system and evaluating its impact on crop yields. They provided feedback on water usage, crop performance, and any challenges faced, allowing for adjustments to be made collaboratively with WOTR.
research	interactive	Farmers participated in research activities aimed at better understanding their mental models of water sharing. They collaborated with researchers to provide insights into their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes towards cooperative water management practices under the GMI model.

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• all relevant actors, as part of a participatory approach

Specify on what basis decisions were made:

• evaluation of well-documented SLM knowledge (evidence-based decision-making)
• research findings
• personal experience and opinions (undocumented)

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users
• field staff/ advisers

If relevant, specify gender, age, status, ethnicity, etc.

The training primarily involved local farmers from Tigalkheda, including small, medium, and large landholders. Participants were predominantly male, but women also participated in some training sessions. The age range varied from young adults to older farmers

Form of training:

• on-the-job
• farmer-to-farmer
• demonstration areas
• public meetings

Subjects covered:

Water management practices, micro-irrigation systems installation, maintenance of drip irrigation, fertigation technologies, sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient farming techniques, cooperative management, collective decision-making and resource sharing among farmers.

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields
• at permanent centres

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, greatly

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local
• regional

Specify type of support:

• financial
• capacity building/ training
• equipment

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

Comments:

Monitoring and evaluation are integral components of the GMI approach, for the assessment of its effectiveness in promoting sustainable water-sharing practices and improving agricultural productivity among local farmers.

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

Yes

Comments:

The documentation serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and evaluating the implementation and impact of the GMI model, providing insights into farmer behaviors, water management practices, and overall project outcomes

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Yes

Specify topics:

• sociology
• economics / marketing
• ecology
• technology

• Agriculture

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

Research was conducted by Miss. Upasana Koli, Dr. Arun Bhagat, and Dr. Marcella D’Souza from the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR). The focus of the research included understanding the mental models that promote water sharing for agriculture through the GMI approach. It examined behavioural aspects related to water resource management, cooperative practices among farmers, and the socio-economic impacts of adopting sustainable irrigation technologies. The findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners about effective water-sharing policies and sustainable agricultural interventions.
Arun Bhagat: Contributed to the conceptualization, methodology design, investigation, data curation, formal analysis, original draft writing, and reviewing and editing of the manuscript.
Upasana Koli: Contributed to the conceptualization, methodology design, investigation, and data curation for the study.
Marcella D'Souza: Provided supervision and contributed to conceptualizing the research project.

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:

• 2,000-10,000

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

The annual budget varies between 2000-10000 US$. GIZ acts as a core funder, primarily supporting project design, monitoring, and capacity-building activities. However, co-funding comes from various sources:
1.State Government: Provides subsidies for micro-irrigation systems and infrastructure, such as those under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
2.WOTR: Contributes technical expertise, facilitates training, and monitors implementation, often covering operational costs.
3.Farmers: Contribute funds for system maintenance and may also pool resources for initial installations.
Regarding training, WOTR plays a pivotal role, offering on-field demonstrations and workshops on water management, climate-resilient agriculture, and system maintenance. Farmers benefit from continuous knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
•Tigalkheda is a semi-arid village in Maharashtra's Bhokardan block, spanning approximately 32.34 acres, as mentioned in the documentation.
•The GMI approach involves 14 farmers, all managing plots within this shared irrigation system.
•Further, within a single village several GMI models can be created based on the farmer groups.

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):

Support: Farmers received subsidies for the installation of micro-irrigation systems and installation of the pumping system and pipe distribution network.
Condition: The farmer should be a member of the GMI group and ready to contribute financially to maintaining the GMI model.
Providers: Government Bodies: Local and national government (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY); Partial funding from GIZ; Knowledge & implementation support by WOTR.

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• labour

• equipment

• agricultural

• construction

If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:

• voluntary

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

Yes

Specify conditions (interest rate, payback, etc.):

Interest rate: 8.3 to 10.1%, payback period: NA

Specify credit providers:

Banks, Private lenders,

Specify credit receivers:

Farmers

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Supporting Policies: Government policies such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) provide financial assistance for micro-irrigation technologies

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

If yes, describe how:

Farmers in Tigalkheda have developed a strong sense of ownership over the GMI approach. They have gained valuable knowledge and skills through training sessions provided by WOTR, enabling them to manage irrigation systems effectively. The cooperative structure established among local farmers facilitates resource sharing and collective decision-making, ensuring that they can maintain the technologies implemented. Additionally, the financial support received through subsidies has alleviated initial investment burdens, allowing farmers to sustain operations independently over time. This sustainability is further supported by the ongoing commitment of farmers to engage in sustainable agricultural practices, as they recognize the long-term benefits of improved water management and crop productivity for their livelihoods and the environment.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
1) Improved Water Management Farmers appreciate the effective management of water resources through the GMI which allows for better distribution and utilization of water, leading to enhanced crop yields.
2) Increased Crop Productivity The implementation of micro-irrigation technologies has resulted in higher agricultural output, which is crucial for the livelihoods of local farmers.
3) Community Collaboration The approach promotes cooperation and shared responsibility in managing irrigation resources.
4) Access to Financial Support Availability of subsidies and financial assistance has made it easier for farmers to adopt new technologies, reducing the economic burden of transitioning to sustainable practices.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
1) Sustainability of Practices The GMI approach emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices that enhance long-term resilience against climate variability and water scarcity.
2) Capacity Building Training programs have significantly improved the skills and knowledge of farmers, enabling them to implement and maintain sustainable land management technologies effectively.
3) Access to Market Information Farmers were connected with the Farmer Producing Organisation (FPO) for accessing timely market information.
4) Reduction in Conflicts Over Water Resources By establishing clear water-sharing agreements among users, the GMI model has reduced competition and conflicts over water resources in the community

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
1) Initial Costs of Technology Implementation While subsidies help, some farmers still find the initial costs of installing micro-irrigation systems prohibitive	Increased awareness about available financial assistance and community pooling of resources could help mitigate these costs.
2)Maintenance Challenges Some farmers lack the technical skills needed for ongoing maintenance of irrigation systems.	Regular training sessions focused on maintenance skills can empower farmers to manage their systems effectively.
3) Dependence on Weather Conditions The success of irrigation practices is still heavily reliant on overall weather patterns, which can be unpredictable.	Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques alongside micro-irrigation could provide additional water security during dry spells.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
1) Scalability Issues The GMI model may face challenges in scaling up due to varying local conditions across different regions.	Tailoring approaches to specific local contexts while maintaining core principles could enhance scalability.
2) Sustainability of Financial Support There is uncertainty regarding the long-term availability of subsidies and financial support from government programs.	Advocating for policy changes that ensure sustained funding for sustainable agriculture initiatives could address this issue.
3) Cultural Resistance to Change Some farmers may resist adopting new technologies due to traditional practices.	Engaging community leaders and demonstrating successful case studies can help shift perspectives towards embracing innovation.
4) Limited Research on Long-Term Impacts There is a need for more comprehensive research on the long-term impacts of the GMI approach on both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.	Collaborating with academic institutions for ongoing research projects can provide valuable insights into effectiveness and areas for improvement

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Book chapter: Understanding the Mental Models that Promote Water Sharing for Agriculture Through Group Micro-Irrigation Models in Maharashtra, India. Authors: Upasana Koli, Arun Bhagat & Marcella D’Souza Year: 2023 Print ISBN978-981-99-2205-5 Online ISBN978-981-99-2206-2

Available from where? Costs?

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-2206-2_15

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Report Bhagat A, and Koli U. (2022). Effectiveness of Group Micro Irrigation Model and Package of Agricultural Practices in Enhancing Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Region of Maharashtra, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), Pune

Available from where? Costs?

https://wotr-website-publications.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/Effectiveness_GMI_Climate_Resilient_Semi_Arid_Maharashtra.pdf

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Climate-resilient strategies for sustainable management of water resources and agriculture

URL:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-021-14332-4

Title/ description:

Economics, adoption determinants, and impacts of micro-irrigation technologies: empirical results from India

URL:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00271-007-0065-0