Micro-irrigation adoption and the Jevons’ Paradox: A study from four states of India

Micro-irrigation, known for enhancing water use efficiency and crop yields, is subject to the phenomenon of the Jevons paradox or rebound effect. Farmers adopting the technology also tend to adopt economic mechanisms – extensive (increasing operated area) and intensive (changing crop patterns). We studied the question of the rebound effect using primary data from four states of India – Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Recall data from 404 sample farmers were collected on crop area, land use, and water use in a pre- and post-micro-irrigation adoption scenario. The data analysis suggests that most farmers agreed they increased their cropped area after micro-irrigation. The recall data of area change under various crops showed that more than 85 % of farmers increased their area post the adoption of micro-irrigation. Along with the increase in total operated area, farmers brought an additional 267 ha (17 %) under irrigated agriculture, out of which about 87 ha were converted from rainfed to irrigated areas under various crops. Farmers converted a substantial area from cereals to high-value horticulture crops. Micro-irrigation was found to reduce pumping hours for irrigation (a proxy for volumetric water use); however, certain crops exhibit an absolute increase in water consumption. The technology, therefore, fulfils two key mandates of the policy Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme) - “per drop more crop” and “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water for every farmland), but at a cost of increased risk to future consumptive uses. The research advocates a more comprehensive basin-scale investigation of farmers' behavioural responses to the adoption of micro-irrigation and the subsequent changes in volumetric consumptive water use.