Possible Solutions to the Challenges of Irrigation Water Pricing for Saedawgyi Irrigated Area

Abstract

This paper focuses on the possible solutions to the challenges of irrigation water pricing for Saedawgyi irrigated area in Mandalay Region. The current irrigation water pricing of Mandalay Region is necessary to reform as they could not cover the operation and maintenance cost of the supply system. For reforming irrigation water pricing, the challenges of irrigation water pricing for Saedawgyi irrigated area are identified as six major challenges based on previous study. Questionnaire survey is done to 307 farmers from Saedawgyi irrigated area for canal irrigation system to know the willingness to pay (WTP) of local farmers and price elasticity of irrigation water demand is evaluated by using mid-point formula. To solve the challenges of less maintenance and damaging of Infrastructure, proper training to local farmers and capacity building of the staff is essential for effective maintenance of the irrigation water supply system because the lack of professionals and staff training leads to deteriorate infrastructure. The possible solutions for remaining four challenges are proposed by studying the secondary academic sources such as papers, journals, and books. In this paper, six possible solutions are proposed for the challenges of irrigation water pricing in Saedawgyi irrigated area.