Variation in adopters perceptions with respect to groundwater scarcity and power tariff in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat

The findings of association between growth rates and instability indices for water table indicated that the worst situation CB - high growth with moderate instability was found in Dhari and Khambha talukas of Amreli district for pre-monsoon period. On the other hand, the situation CC - high growth with high instability was found only in Bhavnagar taluka of Bhavnagar district for pre-monsoon period. From flat rate group of farmers, about 53 per cent respondents in Amreli and 42.50 per cent farmers in Bhavnagar districts complained about the less hours of power supply in both the seasons (kharif and rabi). For the installation of meters, only 25 per cent farmers in Amreli and 15 per cent farmers from Bhavnagar districts agreed with it and they were of the view that they are not using electricity in summer and even though they are paying for it. For the installation of flat rate, only 22.50 per cent farmers from both the districts agreed because they think that pro-rata system of tariff is costly as compared to flat rate and in coming years, it would become more costlier due to depletion of groundwater. In Amreli district, the proportion of farmers selling water was relatively less. Interestingly they provide water to neighbour farmers free of cost if they have surplus quantity of water. On the other hand, in Bhavnagar district, selling of water is a business. An indepth study on commercialization of water is of prime significance so far its long term sustainability is concerned.