Evaluation of some deep and shallow tubewell irrigated schemes in Bangladesh using performance indicators

Performances of five deep tubewell (DTW) and ten shallow tubewell (STW) projects of the Rajbari district of central Bangladesh have been evaluated using some selected standard indicators, broadly classified into three groups: hydraulic, agricultural and socio-economic. For the quantitative and qualitative assessments of the indicators, field measurements and questionnaire survey of farmers and tubewell owners were made during the 1998-99 dry season. Analyses of hydraulic indicators showed that the performances of both the projects (DTWs and STWs) in terms of discharge and water delivery were better than those in the past. Equity in water delivery was not ensured in both the projects mainly because of low canal density. Agricultural performance, evaluated in terms of irrigated area, yield and production performance, was almost the same for both the projects and was greater than the respective national averages. Socio-economic indicators showed that both the projects were financially viable and sustainable. Hydraulic, agricultural and socio-economic indicators used in this study are recommended for evaluation of performances of irrigation projects and also to for comparative analysis of performances of similar irrigation projects. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.