Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

STRUCTURAL MODELING OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION FOR AGRICULTURE IN INDIA

Pragya Sharma, Syed Zulfi, Sanatan Nayak and Sushil

Abstract

Globally, the use of groundwater is increasing for irrigation, domestic use and in production processes. Groundwater depletion and surface-water diversions have been identified as a threat to water security around the world. Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater so it is vital to identify the causes of increased groundwater extraction in this sector and developing ways to cope with water stress. Agricultural groundwater management is an effective and viable solution for postponing water crisis in India but certain socio-economic and political factors act as a hindrance. In view of this, the paper attempts to present the interlinkages between the different factors which affect groundwater extraction at macro and micro level. Using Total Interpretive Structural Modeling technique a model has been developed by establishing linkages between the causal factors of groundwater over-extraction. Accordingly, the paper proposes that the new policies and initiatives should include the above mentioned interrelated factors and promote community management of groundwater resources.