An Economic Analysis of Variables Affecting the Groundwater Depletion

Abstract

The adoption of agricultural technology has helped in raising the income level of the farmers and total foodgrain production. But it cannot be denied that the adoption of modern technology has taken place at the cost of unjustifiable use of resources. Groundwater depletion is found to be one of the major problems in Punjab. In present study an attempt has been made to examine the economic analysis of groundwater depletion. The sample of 120 farmers was taken from the two villages of Sunam block, viz. Tolawaltubewell irrigated area and Rattangarhhaving both canal and tubewell irrigation facility. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), has indicated the mean technical efficiency of farms 90.3 per cent and 95 per cent in paddy production and 89.4 per cent and 94.9 per cent in wheat production, in tubewell irrigated and canal+ tubewell irrigated farms, respectively. The multiple (step- up) regression analysis has revealed that farm income has positive correlation with the land ownership and ownership of submersible motors. The study suggests that the government should ensure minimum support prices for less water consuming crops. This will not only shift the existing cropping pattern but also provide the solution of over exploiting groundwater. Further, the government should take care for maintenance of canals on priority basis.