Performance Assessment of Irrigated Agricultural Systems: A Case Study of Mapakada Irrigation Division, Sri Lanka

Abstract

 There is an increasing concern about the performance of an irrigated agricultural system as pressure grows on water resources and problems increase regarding food security and sustainability of irrigated agricultural systems. Performance assessment of irrigated agricultural systems using comparative indicators, including irrigation efficiency, adequacy of water supply, and land and water productivity, helps determine issues and identify ways to improve system performance. The present study was carried to assess the performance of selected irrigated agricultural systems in Mapakada irrigation division using comparative performance indicators. In addition, the socio-economic status of the farming community in the selected irrigation systems was analysed. Results showed that the annual income of most of the farmers ranges from Rs.100,000 - Rs.200,000. The agriculture sector is less attractive to the young generation. Most of the farmers are above 50 years old and having landholding less than 3.5 acres. Paddy yield varies from 3.36 t/ha - 6.39 t/ha. Water shortage is a common issue in Yala season, which restricts cultivation, particularly in Demodara and Nagadeepa systems. Output per unit irrigation supply varies from $0.04/m³-$0.23/m³ in Maha and $0.05/m³-$0.15/m³ in Yala season. Sorabora system shows better performance, followed by Mapakada system. However, Demodara system shows the lowest performance in all aspects. Therefore, it is vital to implement appropriate measures to improve the performance of Demodara and Nagadeepa irrigated agricultural systems.