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Irrigation and Water Resources Development provides the basic Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE for the Growth of economy of the country and large Investment has been made for the purpose in our country. Irrigation is an artificial application of water to the Soil for crop production by constructing headworks (weir) across a river in case of flow irrigation system. In lift, irrigation system water required for irrigation purpose has been lifted from the river as the situation commands by diesel operated or electricity power operated barge mounted pump. In third case where these two systems are not feasible required water are extracted from the water bearing aquifer beneath the ground level by means of deep tube well assembly. Besides these popular system of irrigation there are sprinkler system and Drip Irrigation system. In a world of explosive Population growth, particularly in developing nations, it is the need of the time to enhance the growth of food grain production keeping in conformity with the increase in population. The increase in agricultural production in general and food grain production in particular has not kept pace with the growth of the population by ushering the traditional cultivation system.
Necessity of irrigation in the state of Assam:
The economy of Assam is predominantly agricultural based, as about 85% of the populations live on agricultural activities for their livelihood and 15 % is dependent on allied Services. The total geographical area of the State is 78.483-lakh hectare. Gross cropped area of the State is 41, 59,977 hectare out of which net area shown is 28, 10,597 hectare that is 35.81% of the geographical area of Assam. In order to cope up with the food deficit caused by growth in population and to ensure Food Security, multiple Cropping with irrigation support is highly necessary. Moreover, due to vagaries of nature, Global Warming, ecological imbalance and erratic monsoon, the rain fall is not taking place at right time to the help of the agricultural practices. As such, irrigation input is found to be the only alternative, which can provide right amount of water at right time to carry out agricultural activity.
Creation of irrigation Department:
In due cognizance of the criticality of irrigated agriculture in ensuring adequate production which results both in food security and economic growth , Irrigation Department was initiated its independent functioning in the year 1974 by bifurcating it from the erstwhile Flood Control and Irrigation Department. The Department is playing a vital role in the development of irrigation potential of Assam by harnessing the rich surface water and ground Water Resources of the state. The Irrigation Department has achieved an irrigation potential of 8.82 lakh hectares up to March 2015 that includes the potential created by ASMIDC (1, 49,205 Ha) merged with Irrigation Department. However, in reality the potential created by ASMIDC have no existence in the field as they are of short-lived nature (LLP & STW). Accordingly in practice, potential created by Irrigation Department is 7, 32,599 Ha neglecting the figure created by ASMIDC.
Irrigation development in Assam:
Out of total geographical area of 78.438 lakh hectares, total crop area of the State is about 41.59 lakh hectares as per latest available figures. The ultimate irrigation potential is assessed as 27 lakh hectares.
Irrigation Department has assessed to cover an ultimate Irrigation potential to the tune of 27 lakh hectare in phased manner by harnessing the rich surface water and ground water resources of the State. Irrigation Department of Assam executes and maintains Major schemes (potential above 10,000 hectare), Medium schemes (potential between 2,000 hectare to 10,000 hectare) and Minor schemes (potential below 2,000 hectare). It is planned to provide Irrigation facilities to 17 lakh hectare of cropped area through Minor Irrigation schemes and remaining 10 lakh hectares through Major and Medium Irrigation projects out of the ultimate Irrigation potential. The area to be covered by Minor Irrigation schemes (17 lakh hectares) is further categorized as 10 lakh hectare from ground water resources and remaining 7 lakh hectares from surface water resources.
The popular means of irrigation adopted in the State are:
(1) Flow Irrigation System where the water level are raised in the flowing river by constructing headworks (weir) across a river and water required for Irrigation are diverted to the crop field through regulator and canal systems.
(2) In lift irrigation system water required for irrigation purpose has been lifted from the river as the situation commands by diesel operated or electrical power operated barge mounted pump sets and water for irrigation purpose are delivered through canal system. Lift Irrigation system is preferable where the source river is of the nature of deep gorge type.
(3) In third case where these two systems are not feasible, required water are extracted from the water bearing aquifer beneath the ground level by means of deep tube well assembly. Besides these popular system of irrigation there are sprinkler system and drip irrigation system.
The Irrigation Department is the nodal authority of the Government of Assam responsible for harnessing water resources by constructing Weirs/Headworks and networks of water carrier system/canal.,
Irrigation in Assam
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops. It is one of the most important agricultural practices in Assam, where it is used to irrigate over 2 million hectares of land.
History of irrigation in Assam
The history of irrigation in Assam dates back to the ancient period. The first recorded irrigation system in Assam was built by the Ahom kings in the 13th century. The system consisted of a Network of canals and reservoirs that were used to irrigate rice fields.
Irrigation systems in Assam
There are a number of different irrigation systems in Assam. The most common type of system is the canal system. Canal systems are made up of a network of canals that are used to transport water from rivers or reservoirs to agricultural fields. Other types of irrigation systems include lift irrigation systems, which use pumps to lift water from rivers or reservoirs, and drip irrigation systems, which use small pipes to deliver water directly to the roots of Plants.
Irrigation projects in Assam
There are a number of irrigation projects in Assam. The most important project is the Brahmaputra Board Project. The Brahmaputra Board Project is a multi-purpose project that was designed to control floods, generate electricity, and provide irrigation water. The project consists of a number of Dams, reservoirs, and canals.
Irrigation challenges in Assam
There are a number of challenges to irrigation in Assam. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of water. Assam is a water-scarce state, and the demand for water is increasing due to Population Growth And Economic Development. Another challenge is the poor condition of irrigation infrastructure. Many irrigation systems in Assam are old and in need of repair.
Irrigation solutions for Assam
There are a number of solutions to the challenges of irrigation in Assam. One solution is to improve the management of water resources. This includes investing in water conservation and water harvesting. Another solution is to improve the condition of irrigation infrastructure. This includes repairing and upgrading irrigation canals, dams, and reservoirs.
Irrigation research in Assam
There is a lot of research being done on irrigation in Assam. The Assam Agricultural University is one of the leading institutions in this field. The university has a number of research programs on irrigation, including research on water management, irrigation systems, and irrigation economics.
Irrigation Education in Assam
There are a number of institutions that offer education on irrigation in Assam. The Assam Agricultural University is one of the leading institutions in this field. The university offers a number of courses on irrigation, including courses on water management, irrigation systems, and irrigation economics.
Irrigation policy in Assam
The government of Assam has a number of policies on irrigation. The most important policy is the Assam Irrigation Policy. The policy was adopted in 2005 and it outlines the government’s plans for irrigation in Assam. The policy includes plans to improve the management of water resources, improve the condition of irrigation infrastructure, and promote research on irrigation.
Irrigation governance in Assam
The government of Assam is responsible for the governance of irrigation in Assam. The Department of Irrigation is the government department that is responsible for irrigation. The department is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring irrigation projects.
Irrigation economics in Assam
Irrigation is a major economic activity in Assam. The irrigation sector employs a large number of people and it contributes a significant amount to the state’s economy. The irrigation sector is also a major source of government revenue.
Irrigation Environment in Assam
Irrigation can have a significant impact on the environment. One of the biggest impacts is the loss of wetlands. Wetlands are important Ecosystems that provide a number of benefits, including flood control, water purification, and habitat for wildlife. Irrigation can also lead to soil erosion and Water Pollution.
Irrigation social impacts in Assam
Irrigation can have a significant impact on Society. One of the biggest impacts is the displacement of people. Irrigation projects often require the acquisition of land, which can displace people from their homes and livelihoods. Irrigation can also lead to social conflict, as people compete for water resources.
Irrigation future in Assam
The future of irrigation in Assam is uncertain. The state is facing a number of challenges, including water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and Environmental Degradation. These challenges will make it difficult to meet the growing demand for irrigation water. However, there are a number of opportunities for improving irrigation in Assam. These opportunities include investing in water conservation, improving irrigation infrastructure, and promoting research on irrigation.
What is irrigation?
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops. It is used to supplement and regulate the natural water cycle. Irrigation helps to improve crop yields, increase crop diversity, and control pests and diseases.
What are the different types of irrigation?
There are many different types of irrigation, including surface irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation. Surface irrigation is the oldest and most common type of irrigation. It involves flooding the land with water from canals, ditches, or pipes. Sprinkler irrigation uses sprinklers to spray water onto the land. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of small pipes. Micro-irrigation is a type of drip irrigation that uses very small emitters to deliver water to the roots of plants.
What are the benefits of irrigation?
Irrigation has many benefits, including:
- Increased crop yields: Irrigation can help to increase crop yields by up to 50%.
- Increased crop diversity: Irrigation can help to increase crop diversity by allowing farmers to grow crops that would not otherwise be able to grow in the area.
- Control of pests and diseases: Irrigation can help to control pests and diseases by reducing the amount of standing water on the land.
- Reduced soil erosion: Irrigation can help to reduce soil erosion by preventing the land from becoming too dry.
- Improved water quality: Irrigation can help to improve water quality by reducing the amount of runoff and sediment in the water.
What are the challenges of irrigation?
Irrigation also has some challenges, including:
- Water scarcity: Irrigation can be a major source of water consumption, and in some areas, water is scarce.
- Energy costs: Irrigation can be a major Source Of Energy consumption, and in some areas, energy is expensive.
- Salinization: Irrigation can lead to salinization of the soil, which can make it difficult to grow crops.
- Waterlogging: Irrigation can lead to waterlogging of the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to grow.
- Soil erosion: Irrigation can lead to soil erosion, which can make it difficult to grow crops.
What is the future of irrigation?
The future of irrigation is uncertain. Some experts believe that irrigation will become more important in the future as the world’s population grows and the demand for food increases. Others believe that irrigation will become less important in the future as new technologies are developed that allow farmers to grow crops without irrigation.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Assam:
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Which of the following is the capital of Assam?
(A) Guwahati
(B) Dibrugarh
(C) Silchar
(D) Jorhat -
Which of the following is the largest river in Assam?
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Barak
(C) Manas
(D) Dihang -
Which of the following is the main language spoken in Assam?
(A) Assamese
(B) Bengali
(C) Hindi
(D) English -
Which of the following is the main religion in Assam?
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism -
Which of the following is the main crop grown in Assam?
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Jute
(D) Oil palm -
Which of the following is the main tourist attraction in Assam?
(A) Kaziranga National Park
(B) Manas National Park
(C) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
(D) Orang National Park -
Which of the following is the main festival celebrated in Assam?
(A) Bihu
(B) Durga puja
(C) Kali Puja
(D) Rath Yatra -
Which of the following is the main sport played in Assam?
(A) Football
(B) Cricket
(C) Hockey
(D) Kabaddi -
Which of the following is the main university in Assam?
(A) Gauhati University
(B) Dibrugarh University
(C) Tezpur University
(D) North Eastern Hill University -
Which of the following is the main airport in Assam?
(A) Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
(B) Silchar Airport
(C) Dibrugarh Airport
(D) Jorhat Airport
I hope these MCQs are helpful!