P. Hemant

Bio: P. Hemant is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): Environmental impact assessment & Groundwater recharge. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publication(s) receiving 156 citation(s).

Secret of Gujarat's Agrarian Miracle after 2000

Abstract: Semi-arid Gujarat has clocked high and steady growth at 9.6% per year in agricultural state domestic product since 1999-2000. What has driven this growth? The Gujarat government has aggressively pursued an innovative agriculture development programme by liberalising markets, inviting private capital, reinventing agricultural extension, improving roads and other infrastructure. Canal-irrigated South and Central Gujarat should have led Gujarat’s agricultural rally. Instead it is dry Saurashtra and Kachchh, and North Gujarat that have been at the forefront. These could not have performed so well but for the improved availability of groundwater for irrigation. Arguably, mass-based water harvesting and farm power reforms have helped energise Gujarat’s agriculture.

The nexus approach to water–energy–food security: an option for adaptation to climate change

Abstract: Developing countries face a difficult challenge in meeting the growing demands for food, water, and energy, which is further compounded by climate change. Effective adaptation to change requires the efficient use of land, water, energy, and other vital resources, and coordinated efforts to minimize trade-offs and maximize synergies. However, as in many developing countries, the policy process in South Asia generally follows a sectoral approach that does not take into account the interconnections and interdependence among the three sectors. Although the concept of a water–energy–food nexus is gaining currency, and adaptation to climate change has become an urgent need, little effort has been made so far to understand the linkages between the nexus perspective and adaptation to climate change. Using the Hindu Kush Himalayan region as an example, this article seeks to increase understanding of the interlinkages in the water, energy, and food nexus, explains why it is important to consider this nexus in the c...

Small farmers in India: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract: This paper examines the roles and challenges of small holding agriculture in India. It covers trends in agricultural growth, cultivation patterns, participation of small holding agriculture, productivity performance of small holders, linking small holders with markets including value chains, role of small holders in enhancing food security and employment generation, differential policies and institutional support for small holders and, challenges and future options for small holding agriculture including information needs. It also provides lessons from the experience of India on small holding agriculture for other countries. [WP-2012-014]. URL:[http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2012-014.pdf].

Balancing watershed and local scale impacts of rain water harvesting in India—A review

Abstract: Agricultural production in India has become increasingly reliant on groundwater and this has resulted in depletion of groundwater resources. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for groundwater recharge is seen as one of the solutions to solve the groundwater problem. This is reflected in an increase in watershed development programs, in which RWH is an important structural component. Understanding the net effect of these development programs is crucial to ensure that net effect on groundwater is positive both locally and within a watershed. Hence, this review focuses on the hydrological impacts of RWH for recharge at the local (individual structure) and watershed scale in rural areas. Surprisingly little field evidence of the stated positive impacts at the local scale is available, and there are several potential negative impacts at the watershed scale. The watershed scale is underrepresented in the field studies and is mainly approached through modelling. Modelling is seen as a possible tool to extend limited field data and scenario studies can be used to examine potential impacts. However, many past modelling studies examining RWH have either had limited focus or have been based on insufficient data. Development of new modelling tools is needed in combination with increased field data collection. Increased use of remote sensing and advanced statistical techniques are suggested as possible new opportunities. In addition, some evaluation criteria are proposed to assess the local and watershed scale hydrological, and other, impacts of RWH as part of watershed development.

Good Governance for Food, Water and Energy Security

Abstract: Food and water security have moved to the top of the global agenda following the food and energy price increases that started in 2007. Addressing the food, water and energy nexus is considered increasingly important for transparently and equitably meeting increasing global demand without compromising sustainability. This paper argues that given the unique regional and sector challenges of food, water and energy security, their nexus must be deconstructed to find effective, contextualized solutions. And governance challenges are at the heart of the nexus in each region. Governance is defined in various ways, but, with a few notable exceptions, the definitions have undergone relatively little analysis. In turn, governance issues are imbedded in policy, institutional, technological and financing options exercised at the global, regional, national and local levels. Furthermore, strong interactions between levels prompt policy responses to specific events and outcomes. The cu rent governance arrangements, where they exist at all, are woefully inadequate to address the challenges. They are imbedded in a lack of strategic clarity, and among stakeholders there is an unequal distribution of power, voice and access to information, resources and the capability to exercise a sound influence which will produce equitable and sustainable outcomes. Often there are huge tradeoffs between the short-term wins of individual stakeholders and long-term holistic solutions. This paper uses illustrative examples from recent global developments, as well as from China and India, to make the case for placing empirical analysis of governance issues at the top of the global agenda. At each level, governance is ues affect the choice of policies, institutions and outcomes for addressing these daunting challenges.

Political economy of the energy-groundwater nexus in India: exploring issues and assessing policy options

Abstract: Indian agriculture is trapped in a complex nexus of groundwater depletion and energy subsidies. This nexus is the product of past public policy choices that initially offered opportunities to India’s small-holder-based irrigation economy but has now generated in its wake myriad economic, social, and environmental distortions. Conventional ‘getting-the-price-right’ solutions to reduce these distortions have consistently been undermined by the invidious political economy that the nexus has created. The historical evolution of the nexus is outlined, the nature and scale of the distortions it has created are explored, and alternative approaches which Indian policy makers can use to limit, if not eliminate, the damaging impacts of the distortions, are analysed.