Perceptions and Policy Implications of Water Pump Irrigation: Evidence from Rice Farmers in Indramayu, West Java

Abstract

This study evaluates farmer perceptions of pump-based irrigation in Indramayu Regency, West Java, addressing the problem of high operational costs and uncertain policy support, while focusing on its financial viability, agronomic benefits, and policy implications. We collected data from farmers as we used a quantitative. We found that pump irrigation can improve crop productivity, but it often burdens farmers financially. We have drawn on structured surveys of 147 rice farmers across Sindang, Lohbener, and Balongan subdistricts. Most respondents perceive water pump usage as financially manageable, with 72.6% rating market prices as moderately to highly affordable and 79.4% affirming operational costs are within their means. Moreover, 78.1% of farmers viewed maintenance expenses favorably, and 76.3% agreed that the investment is justified by the benefits received. However, concerns regarding additional financial burdens remain, with 41.1% expressing varying degrees of strain. Agronomically, 94.6% of farmers reported reduced water shortages during dry seasons, 98% observed improved crop quality, and 82.9% noted enhanced capacity to grow water-intensive crops. Despite these gains, only 50.7% felt more independent of government irrigation systems, indicating persistent infrastructural and financial constraints. The study employed the regulatory impact assessment framework and sustainability indicators to assess policy effectiveness and long-term viability. We underscored that the need for targeted interventions such as inclusive financing, technical support, and institutional strengthening can ensure equitable access and sustainable adoption of smallholder farming systems.