Examining the nature and scope of large-scale surface irrigation in India, this book identifies the factors leading to poor performance from a political economy perspective and suggests viable options for institutional reforms.

Using empirical data on irrigation financing and farmer participation, the authors go beyond merely making policy recommendations. They make detailed calculations of the costs of irrigation development, including both capital expenditure and recurring costs. They also examine the performance of reform measures that are already in operation in Karnataka and Rajasthan, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of participatory irrigation management reforms.