Chapter:

introduction

1. Define irrigation. Why it is necessary ?

Irrigation is defined as the  application of water to the land at regular intervals by means of canals and other artificial methods,  to fulfill the water requirements of crops so as to enhance agricultural growth and maintain the landscape during the periods of less average rainfall.

Necessity of Irrigation:
  • When the rainfall at any place is inadequate to meet the water requirements of crop, irrigation is required as per the following scheme:
snoRainfall (cm)Irrigation Requirements
1100Rainfall need to be supplemented by irrigation
2100 - 50Since rainfall is insufficient, irrigation is essential.
350 - 25Irrigation is essentially required.
4< 25No crop can be grown without irrigation.
  • When the rainfall in the region is not evenly distributed over time, irrigation is necessary.
  • The productivity on irrigated land is higher as compared to the unirrigated land.
  • Irrigation facilities make it possible to grow more than one crop in most of the areas of the country.
  • Irrigation has helped to bring most of the fallow land under cultivation.
  • Irrigation has stabilized the output and yield levels.
  • Irrigation increases the availability of water supply, which in turn increases the income of the farmers.
Show More