Community Key to ASR Success: Nagaland University Study

Kohima: A groundbreaking study led by Nagaland University has revealed that long-term water management strategies like Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) require deep-rooted community involvement, sustainable governance models, and continued financial support to be successful in India’s water-stressed rural regions. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Societal Impacts, the research underscores that ASR is not merely a technical solution but a social process. Led by Prof. Prabhakar Sharma from the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology at Nagaland University, the multi-institutional study emphasizes the need for farmer-led governance, localized adaptation, and policy incentives to ensure the longevity and efficacy of ASR projects. “Unlike many prior studies that focus on the technical and hydrogeological feasibility of ASR, this research foregrounds the social, institutional, and policy dimensions critical for sustainable implementation,” said Prof. Sharma. “ASR can help alleviate water stress and boost agricultural resilience, but it thrives only with farmer ownership and community-led initiatives.” ASR involves capturing excess surface water during monsoon or wet periods and recharging it into groundwater aquifers for later recovery. The approach holds promise for hilly terrains and water-scarce regions like Nagaland and the broader North-Eastern region of India, where erratic rainfall patterns and climate change are intensifying water insecurity. A pilot study in South Bihar, supported by a grant from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), demonstrated ASR’s real-world impacts. The initiative resulted in higher groundwater recharge potential, improved irrigation reliability, and the extension of groundwater availability, alongside significant socio-economic benefits. Farmers reported improved yields, opportunities for crop diversification, and access to water for additional cropping cycles. Experts believe ASR could be a game-changer for rural water management in India, especially in light of increasing climate variability and groundwater depletion. The study’s insights could inform national and state-level strategies on water resilience and sustainable agriculture.