This paper has assessed the net benefit of water resource in paddy crop production, specifically in the TBP command area. The study has estimated the use of water in crop production and has quantified its monetary value. Using a questionnaire data were collected from 180 paddy cultivating farmers on household characteristics and water-related economic activities. The study has revealed that with the adoption of DSR method, water could be saved up to 45 per cent in paddy cultivation in the command areas. Further, the yield and returns were also higher in the DSR method compared to TPR method of paddy cultivation. Since most of the land in the command area is under TPR method, the study has recommended that emphasis should be on efficient use of water by motivating the farmers to adopt DSR method of paddy cultivation in the area.
Paddy, direct seeded rice, TBP command area
