Drainage of agricultural lands is as important as irrigation in sustaining the agricultural production. For successful implementation of drainage projects, community participation of farmers is highly essential. In view of its advantages, participatory drainage management can be considered as an essential component of the widely accepted and broader concept of participatory irrigation management. This approach seeks to improve the drainage services for preventing/reclaiming the waterlogged and salt-affected lands with the active involvement of farmers and ensure improved productivity with efficient use of land and water. A judicious and right mix of legislative and motivational strategies can work wonders in participatory drainage management. Post implementation surveys of subsurface drainage systems revealed that the farmers favour system installation on large-scale and are willing to participate in future drainage projects, but want government's intervention and support.
