SDS promotes Community Based Irrigation (CBI) as a participatory and sustainable water management approach aimed at improving irrigation access, enhancing water-use efficiency, and strengthening agricultural productivity in rural areas.

Community Based Irrigation focuses on the collective management of water resources by farmers, local institutions, and user groups. It encourages shared responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and equitable distribution of irrigation water, ensuring that even small and marginal farmers receive reliable water access.

The approach emphasizes the development and revival of minor irrigation systems such as farm ponds, check dams, village tanks, canals, lift irrigation systems, and watershed structures. These systems help in harvesting rainwater, recharging groundwater, and reducing dependency on erratic rainfall.

CBI also promotes the formation of Water User Groups (WUGs) and community institutions that manage irrigation infrastructure collectively. These groups play a key role in scheduling water distribution, maintaining infrastructure, and resolving water-sharing conflicts.

A strong focus is placed on efficient water use practices, including micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler), mulching, and water conservation techniques. These methods help increase water productivity while reducing wastage.

Capacity building and training programs are conducted to educate farmers on sustainable irrigation practices, watershed management, and climate-resilient water use strategies.

Program Interventions

• Development and revival of community irrigation structures (ponds, check dams, tanks)
• Formation of Water User Groups (WUGs)
• Promotion of micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler)
• Watershed development and rainwater harvesting
• Training on water conservation and irrigation management
• Maintenance and collective management of irrigation systems

Impact

• Improved irrigation coverage in rural farming areas
• Enhanced water-use efficiency and groundwater recharge
• Increased agricultural productivity and cropping intensity
• Reduced vulnerability to drought and rainfall variability
• Strengthened community participation in water governance

Overview

Community Based Irrigation under SDS strengthens sustainable water governance by promoting collective management of irrigation resources, improving water efficiency, and enhancing agricultural resilience, thereby supporting long-term rural development and food security.