GS3/GS1
Syllabus: Agriculture/ Geography: Irrigation
Source: LM
Context: In 2022-23, of the 210 million hectares of gross sown area, about 115 million hectares, or nearly 55%, had irrigation access, up from 47.8% in 2013-14, according to state-run think-tank Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand.
What is ‘assured irrigation’?
Assured irrigation refers to the provision of reliable and guaranteed water supply for agricultural purposes. Assured irrigation systems can include canals, drip irrigation, sprinklers, and other methods that efficiently deliver water to crops.
Importance of ‘assured irrigation’:
It ensures that cultivated land has access to a sufficient and regular water source, reducing dependence on rainfall and minimizing the risk of crop failure due to water scarcity.
Data about water use:
- Agriculture accounts for about 80% of India’s available water use of 700 billion cubic metres
- The monsoon rainfall in June-September, which waters the Kharif or summer-sown crops, plays a crucial role in farm production.
- Agriculture accounts for about 18% of the national economy and is the largest employer.
- Out of the total irrigated area, 40% is currently watered through canal networks, and 60% through groundwater.
Factors behind increasing assured irrigation in India:
| Factors | Examples |
| Expansion of Land | A massive expansion of land under agriculture, especially in the dryland farm zones of Telangana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka and a moderate increase in Uttar Pradesh |
| Micro-Projects | Implementation of micro-projects that utilize water efficiently has contributed to the increase in assured irrigation. |
| Micro-irrigation facilities, such as sprinklers and drip systems, have been installed on 8 million hectares of land across India. | |
| Government Initiatives | Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) (launched in 2015) focuses on creating sources for assured irrigation, reducing water wastage, and improving water use efficiency. The scheme incentivizes micro-irrigation through subsidies and promotes rainwater harvesting at a micro-level. |
| Har Khet Ko Paani-Surface Minor Irrigation: It focuses on harnessing surface water sources for irrigation in areas where groundwater resources are limited through the construction of small-scale irrigation structures like check dams, farm ponds, and percolation tanks to capture and store rainwater. | |
| A ₹500 billion micro-irrigation fund (MIF) was created with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to support states in mobilizing resources. | |
| Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and special packages for certain states have contributed to the expansion of irrigation infrastructure. | |
| Canal projects | E.g., Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP); Shahpur-Kandi project |
Impact: This expansion is attributed to the growth of micro-projects that use water more efficiently, particularly in states like Telangana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Limitations:
- About 40% of the cultivable area will still depend on rainfall due to geographical and hydrological limitations.
- Over-dependence on groundwater has led to the depletion of the water table in 64% district of India
- Uneven rainfall distribution
- Poor irrigation efficiency
- The huge and increasing gap between created and utilized irrigation potential
Conclusion:
Assured irrigation plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on rainfall, improving water use efficiency, and enhancing agricultural productivity. The focus on assured irrigation is essential for sustainable agriculture and mitigating the impact of water scarcity on crop production in India.
Insta Links
Irrigation and Irrigation Systems
Mains Links
Account for the major irrigation challenges faced by Indian farmers and suggest what policy measures and reforms are needed to resolve the same. (250 Words)
Prelims Links:
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? (UPSC 2020)
- Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
- Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
- Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
- Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? (UPSC 2016)
- Reduction in weed
- Reduction in soil salinity
- Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Answer: C
