The economic and ecological impacts of tank restoration in South India

Using 'before and after' and 'with and without' methods, this paper assesses the economic and ecological impacts of tank restoration in three villages in Andhra Pradesh, India. This study finds positive impacts of tank restoration on economic and ecological indicators that unequivocally support the rationale for tank restoration in the drought-prone regions. Moreover, the impact is greater in the case of small and marginal farmers when compared with large farmers, indicating a positive effect/influence on poverty. This study also documents the improvements of the groundwater table in the programme villages and the resultant increase in rabi (the second crop in the agricultural season (December-April)) crop acreage and yield rates. Availability of fodder (ecological impact) has strengthened the livestock economy of the programme villages. The economic and ecological impacts of the programme are significant in the case of tanks restored before 1995-1996, indicating the sustainability of the programme.