ABSTRACT
For countries in the semi-arid and arid tropics, sustainability of agricultural production is largely dependent on irrigation water security. As irrigation becomes increasingly energy intensive, energy security is critical for ensuring agricultural water security. Uncontrolled withdrawal of groundwater for crop production, which is supported by subsidized electricity in the farm sector, leads to rapid declines in water level in many parts of the country. As irrigation is the main user of groundwater in the country, raising water productivity in groundwater-irrigated areas to reduce total water use is essential for arresting groundwater depletion. The electricity boards have not analyzed the impact of such cuts on equity in access and efficiency in use of groundwater. Many Indian states are contemplating re-introduction of electricity metering in the farm sector to manage groundwater demand. North Gujarat, which is a water-scarce region, and the eastern plain regions of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and south Bihar, which are water-rich regions, are the study locations.
