An analysis of India's irrigation sector is presented. The report reviews irrigation's role in the food and agriculture sector, describes India's irrigation agencies (mainly those of the central and state governments), assesses the key effects of A.I.D. irrigation assistance on institutional change and technology transfer, reviews major problems confronting the A.I.D. program, and suggests activities related to irrigation technology, institutional development, water user associations, and the productivity, equity, and economic returns of irrigation projects. A final section outlines four possible new program/project models: (1-2) direct assistance for canal irrigation system operation, management, and maintenance and for local projects which generally fall outside the jurisdiction of State Irrigation Departments; (3) development of a model of improved system management through rehabilitation and disaggregation of a major canal reservoir system, plus ongoing management assistance; and (4) commercial groundwater development, to include technical assistance with pump sets, improved applications systems, and marketing.