Indicators of Performance of Irrigation Projects

So far much have been discussed about the efficiency and productivity of irrigation projects, efficient operation of reservoir, canals, water courses, warabandi, methods of irrigation, crop water requirement, irrigation scheduling etc.

But what is the use of it unless and until it becomes an extensive field practice?

Almost all engineers and agricultural officers, feel that all of it is theoretical or of academic interest or for any degree course and do not feel it of much use in the field. If it is so what is use of such theory?

In fact this should not be taken so and is actually meant for the benefit of irrigated agriculture, increase the crop yields, decrease water consumption and solve many other problems.

Again this is not easily possible, unless and until our attitude changes to monitor the projects and WUA on regular basis, evaluated and reported. Some past experiences of huge efforts made for improvement are narrated below.

INDICATORS OF PERFORMANCE

Indicator is a parameter/ data or value that point outs the level of performance. It is just like efficiency (see Chapter 2). These are qualitatively quantifiable, measurable and comparable data sheets to know the performance of water deliveries to WUA and by WUA to all its members. Therefore these are performance / output oriented, accountable and answerable. Similarly performance evaluations of WUAs are required (also see paragraph 3.1). Many times indicators are multipurpose to indicate multiple performances. For that multiple data sheets are required. 

There cannot be same indicators for all purposes. These are different for different organisation / purposes. 

The indicators of performance of a WUA can be divided into following four parts along with the responsibility of monitoring as indicated.

i.         General / overall performance - It relates to the general aspects of functioning of WUA

iii.      Agricultural performance 

Physical and financial performance 

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