ABSTRACT
Tamil Nadu state is the pioneer in introducing MI, but the area expansion for the last 10 years has been discouraging with Tamil Nadu lacking behind other states (ranking eighth position in India). Even though, water supply and availability of electric power to lift water might affect the MI expansion, the major factor is the implementation model that is followed [1, 2]. Compared to Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh states, the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency (TANHODA) model even though well planned, lacks clarity in implementing the subsidy schemes due to administrative delays in handling huge applications, fixing the MI rates and distribution of subsidies in time. Third party inspection takes months to complete the process. At time, the cycle time is on an average 180 days. Hence, an updated implementation model in line with the Gujarat’s GGRC model incorporating changes (in terms of allowing more transparency, rate fixation and capacity building of the stakeholders) with adequate financial backup is highly warranted. Once this model as a SPV is in place, the area expansion is expected to reach more than one million-ha compared to the present coverage of 0.25 million-ha, where MI coverage even in canal command areas (irrigation projects) can also be achieved. IWMITata Water Policy.
