Fixing agricultural power tariff without hurting farmers. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, M. Dinesh; Narayanamoorthy, A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 37:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1035
• Page End: 1039
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Pro rata pricing -- groundwater -- water productivity -- transaction cost -- water rights system; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2020.1823335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Removal of power subsidies in the agriculture sector has been a very contentious issue in India for decades. Free power and tariffs based on the connected load create incentives for farmers to use groundwater excessively and inefficiently. We argue that a pro rata tariff for electricity in the farm sector that reduces the demand for electricity and irrigation water will not only be socio-economically viable but also improve farm economy and the viability of the power sector. We also propose the use of information and communications technology to reduce the transaction cost of metering of agro wells.