Examine how high-value, water-intensive crops like fruits and vegetables are replacing less sustainable irrigation techniques and water-using resources generally. Also, talk about the policy changes that are necessary to encourage crop diversification and sustainable water management.
The Swiss challenge model means a method of public procurement in which an unsolicited proposal is received by a public authority for a project that predominantly involves uniqueness and specificity of design, technology and intellectual property rights. The government then examines the proposal andRead more
The Swiss challenge model means a method of public procurement in which an unsolicited proposal is received by a public authority for a project that predominantly involves uniqueness and specificity of design, technology and intellectual property rights. The government then examines the proposal and if the proposal belongs to the declared policy of priorities, then it may invite competing counter proposals from third parties. In the event of a better proposal being received, the original proponent is given the opportunity to modify the original proposal. Finally, the proponent with the best plan is awarded the contract.
In a 2009 ruling, the Supreme Court had approved the Swiss Challenge method for award of contracts. Further, respective state governments were encouraged to draft guidelines for procurement using the Swiss Challenge method. For example, Maharashtra and Karnataka have adopted their own policy guidelines.
Advantages of Swiss Challenge Model
- Promotes competition: It allows the project to be put for competitive bidding and counter- bidding so as to realize the optimum cost.
- Enhances efficiency: It provides time and cost saving on pre project activities and feasibility studies for the public authority vis-à-vis other Public Private Partnership (PPP) models.
- Professionalism: With proper identification of timelines, risks and their allocation, it becomes easier for the public authority as the project preparation is done in a more professional manner and in turn reducing red-tapism.
- Creativity: Since this model allows the prospective bidders to analyse the design submitted by their competitors and come out with better design, it promotes creative designing and project execution.
- Equitability: Useful for the governments that have limited technical and financial capacity to develop projects.
Problems associated with Swiss Challenge Model
- Issue of Transparency: The biggest concerns are the lack of sufficient transparency and inadequate competition, while dealing with unsolicited proposals and thus it becomes difficult to fix accountability.
- Crony capitalism: This method could breed crony capitalism by allowing companies to employ dubious means to bag projects.
- Bidding asymmetry: There is asymmetry in bidding time given to bidders to prepare counter proposals in relation to time taken by originator for preparation.
- Issue of legal validity: There are no adequate regulatory and legal frameworks. Further, there is a problem of proper legal validity of using this method when a counter proposal contains different specifications than the original proposal.
- Difficult to measure the monetary value: It is very difficult to measure monetary value of an unsolicited proposal when a contract or project is not given to the original proponent.
However, these issues can be addressed by instituting a national policy framework for the Swiss Challenge method. There should be wider participation and greater flexibility to promote innovation at the pre-proposal stage and sufficient time for counter-bidders to respond at the post-proposal stage.
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Impact of the Shift Towards High-Value, Water-Intensive Crops on Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Sustainability The shift towards cultivating high-value, water-intensive crops like fruits and vegetables has significant implications for water use efficiency and the sustainability of irrigation syRead more
Impact of the Shift Towards High-Value, Water-Intensive Crops on Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Sustainability
The shift towards cultivating high-value, water-intensive crops like fruits and vegetables has significant implications for water use efficiency and the sustainability of irrigation systems in India. While these crops can offer substantial economic benefits, they also pose challenges related to water resource management. Analyzing these impacts and discussing necessary policy interventions can help in achieving a balance between economic gains and sustainable water management.
1. Impact on Water Use Efficiency
a. Increased Water Demand: High-value crops such as fruits and vegetables generally require more water compared to traditional cereals:
b. Efficiency of Water Use: While these crops are water-intensive, they often benefit from modern irrigation techniques that can enhance water use efficiency:
2. Impact on Irrigation Systems and Sustainability
a. Pressure on Water Resources: The increased cultivation of water-intensive crops can strain existing irrigation systems and water resources:
b. Sustainability of Irrigation Infrastructure: The shift towards these crops can challenge the sustainability of traditional irrigation infrastructure:
3. Policy Interventions to Promote Crop Diversification and Sustainable Water Management
a. Promoting Crop Diversification: Encouraging a diverse range of crops can help reduce pressure on water resources:
b. Enhancing Water Efficiency: Investing in technologies and practices that enhance water use efficiency is critical:
c. Supporting Research and Development: Investing in research to develop water-efficient crop varieties and technologies:
d. Improving Water Resource Management: Implementing comprehensive water resource management practices to ensure sustainable use:
e. Policy and Regulatory Framework: Establishing policies and regulations that promote sustainable agricultural practices:
f. Farmer Education and Training: Providing education and training to farmers on sustainable practices and efficient water use:
Conclusion
The shift towards high-value, water-intensive crops presents both opportunities and challenges for water use efficiency and the sustainability of irrigation systems in India. While these crops can offer significant economic benefits, they also place additional demands on water resources and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges through crop diversification, enhanced water efficiency, research and development, and supportive policies is crucial for ensuring sustainable water management and agricultural productivity. By implementing targeted policy interventions and investing in sustainable practices, India can better balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
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