Land use planning under minor irrigation schemes in the dry zone of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka is an agricultural country, more than 75 % of the population is engaged in agriculture related activities. In the year 2001 the country will need 37 % additional rice than in 1981. In order to achieve this target it is necessary to use the resources like Land and Water in a planned manner to ensure sustainability. There are about 30,000 minor irrigation schemes in the country out of which only about 19,500 are in operation at present. This has not received sufficient attention by the authorities. There is a need to introduce Integrated Land Use Planning activities in order to achieve the development desired for these areas. This study focuses attention on the need to introduce integrated land use planning under minor irrigation schemes. After dealing with the concepts and theories which are applicable for irrigation settlement the study analyses the Global and country experience under minor irrigation settlements. This is further supported by the findings of the selected case study area. In this context traditional land use practices, minor tank farming system and economic, institutional and management aspects have been dealt with in order highlight the need for integration of these. It has been found that there is land available for development but scarcity of water is a major constraint. The settlers are trapped in a vicious circle of poverty. The study discloses the need for adopting a systems approach to introducing integrated land use planning in areas identified for development under existing minor schemes or those to be identified for restoration of abandoned schemes or even under sites to be identified for the construction of new schemes, which would ensure achieving a high quality of life for the settlers in these schemes.