Nepal, a nation steeped in agricultural tradition, owes much of its success to the intricate network of Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS). In this blog post, we delve into the essence of FMIS, exploring their categorization, historical significance and the crucial role they play in Nepal’s farming communities.

1. Types of irrigation management systems

Irrigation management systems in Nepal are diverse, classified based on their management structure. These categories include:

• Farmer (User) Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS): Rooted in tradition, these systems are constructed, operated and maintained by local farmers themselves, with little external assistance.
• Agency Managed Irrigation Systems (AMIS): Operated by government entities, particularly the Department of Irrigation, since its establishment in 1952.
• Jointly Managed Irrigation Systems (JMIS): Collaboration between the government and users, emphasizing mutual cooperation and understanding.
• Private Irrigation Systems (PIS): Typically owned and operated by landlords and larger farmers, reflecting individual ownership.

2. Farmer managed traditional water management system

At the heart of Nepal’s agricultural success lies the FMIS — systems built, operated and maintained by the farmers themselves. These systems have been in existence for generations and form an integral part of local infrastructure, sustaining household food production.

2.1 Evolution and recognition

The mid-1980s marked a turning point when the government recognized the strengths of FMIS for the country’s agriculture. There was a realization of the potential for improvement through rehabilitation and the extension of irrigated areas.

FMIS are predominantly surface water irrigation systems, developed and managed by the beneficiary farming community. Many have existed for generations, contributing significantly to local infrastructure and sustaining food production at the household level.

2.2 Strengths and challenges

FMIS are reported to outperform AMIS in terms of productivity, water delivery and physical condition. The success of FMIS is attributed to strong organization, a sense of ownership and the ability to mobilize resources for operation and maintenance.

However, challenges persist. The current status reveals thousands of FMIS in the country, providing irrigation to 70% of the total irrigated land, amounting to nearly 1.2 million hectares. Challenges include competition for water use, industrialization, underfunding of agriculture development and a stagnant rural economy.

2.3 Importance of FMIS

FMIS play a pivotal role in ensuring water security, with a focus on equity, conservation and food security:

1. Equity: FMIS ensure fair water distribution, supporting the majority of small and marginal farmers in the country. They embody elements of fairness and distribution justice in agrarian relations.
2. Conservation: Adaptation to the environment and local needs shapes FMIS, fostering a relationship between agroecology and infrastructure, physiographic factors, water supply and crop choice.
3. Food security: FMIS contribute significantly to national food security, producing about 50% of all rice grown in the country.
4. Community resource base: FMIS value water as community property, helping specify water rights for community members.
5. Indigenous autonomous model: FMIS represent an Indigenous autonomous model of governance, existing separately from other water management units in the country.

Conclusion

In the patchwork of Nepal’s agricultural landscape, FMIS emerge as resilient threads, woven by the hands of local farmers. Beyond being just a source of water for crops, FMIS symbolize a community’s strength, embodying sustainable and democratic values. As Nepal continues to navigate challenges in its agricultural journey, FMIS stand tall as guardians of tradition, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a sustainable future for generations to come.