Evaluation of Smartizing Agricultural Water Wells Plan In Darab County, A Socio-Hydrological Approach

Water is a vital factor in agricultural production and its optimal use is very important. Considering that the agricultural sector is recognized as the major consumer of groundwater in Iran, therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies to optimize the use of groundwater in this sector. Controlled delivery of water and installation of smart water meters are considered as one of the tools for management of groundwater extraction. Despite this, the implementation of this plan in Iran has faced challenges that can overshadow its sustainability and effectiveness. Therefore, the current research has evaluated the installation of smart water meters on agricultural water wells, based on a socio-hydrological approach, using the grounded theory strategy. The sample of the research is made up of 46 owners of agricultural smart wells in Darab County. The results show that issues such as one-sided and top-down modification of the farmers' exploitation licenses and reduction of the water they can withdraw after installing the meter, weakened livelihood of the farmers and the perceived high cost of purchasing the meter, have cuased dissatisfaction of the farmers. So, the Ministry of Energy insists on compulsory and top-down methods to implement the plan of installing smart meters on agricultural wells. The result of such an environment is the formation of the phenomenon of lack of desirability and satisfaction with the plan and doubts about its effectiveness and sustainability among the farmers. Therefore, it is suggested that the Ministry of Energy make a serious revisions in the implementation of the smart meter installation plan, in accordance with the related jurisprudential and legal rules and based on systematic and participatory approaches.