Ground water irrigation and sustainability : water markets, institutions and power supply in Northern India

Abstract

In South Asia concerns about water scarcity have been mounting for some time, particularly in rural areas where food productivity critically depends on irrigation. Sustainable water consumption is therefore a key development goal, otherwise any strategy that aims to guarantee food security or tackle rural poverty will ultimately fail. This is, however, a particularly big challenge as there are many factors that influence water supply and demand; this means that it is often difficult to decide what strategic approach should be taken to make sure that water sources are used efficiently and sustainably.