Abstract: Study and survey was conducted to examine the impact of group irrigation in haor areas of
Bangladesh. Five villages Rampur, Gajaria, Sharifpur, Alipur, Rajapur of Pagnar haor in
Fenarbak union of Sunamganj district was selected for the study. People were interviewed who
involved in Water User Association that is popularly known as Water User Scheme with
structured questionnaire. Under those Scheme several Water User Groups are working.
Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is mainly operated the schemes.
They make an agreement with the Scheme Managing Committee that has a guideline and
agreement to be signed. Each scheme pay Tk. 20000 per year to use a 2 or 5 cusec electric
operated pump and scheme need to bear the maintenance cost. Apart from yearly payment
individual farmer pays Tk 1500/ acre/ year. It was observed that in Fenarbak union, out of 22
scheme 17 are in operating condition. Main livelihood of that area is dry season rice and wet
season fish catching. People have diversified their cropping pattern by growing tomatoes, red
chili, potato, cauliflower, sweet gourd etc. Water user scheme would be more benefitted to more
people to improve their livelihood by reducing the rental charge and maintenance cost. |