Sustainable Practices from Ancient Irrigation Systems
- Ancient irrigation systems closely aligned with nature, prioritizing the water needs of the entire ecosystem.
- These systems served as repositories of indigenous knowledge, aiding in climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and land management.
- Various structures like major tanks, small tanks, lakes, and canals were constructed to store rainfall water, benefiting the entire system.
- The result was the sustained provision of economic, environmental, and social goods and services.
- Modern irrigation schemes have replaced many traditional tank-based systems, but they are susceptible to failure due to climate and ecosystem changes.
- Presently, farmers are organized into legally recognized autonomous organizations, with each irrigation scheme having a Project Management Committee (PMC) consisting of representatives from Farmer Organizations and relevant government agencies.
- Water allocation is discussed and determined through PMC meetings, but this system does not fully integrate farmers into the overall system.
- The utilization of ancient reservoirs and diversions holds promise for enhancing sustainability and attractiveness.
- This book explores the viability of a mosaic system that combines modern and ancient irrigation systems, aiming to enhance overall system resilience and improve farmers' livelihoods through increased productivity.
