The correct answer is: a) Drip irrigation.
Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, either through drippers or microjets. It is a very efficient way to irrigate, as it minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff. Drip irrigation is also very effective in reducing soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
Sprinkler irrigation is a type of irrigation that uses sprinklers to spray water onto the ground. It is a less efficient way to irrigate than drip irrigation, as it loses more water to evaporation and runoff. Sprinkler irrigation can also cause soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
Flood irrigation is a type of irrigation that inundates an entire field with water. It is the least efficient way to irrigate, as it loses a lot of water to evaporation and runoff. Flood irrigation can also cause soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
Canal irrigation is a type of irrigation that uses canals to transport water from a source, such as a river or lake, to fields. It is a relatively efficient way to irrigate, but it can be expensive to build and maintain canals. Canal irrigation can also cause soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
In Punjab, drip irrigation is the most commonly used type of irrigation for orchards and vegetable cultivation. This is because drip irrigation is a very efficient way to irrigate, and it minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff. Drip irrigation is also very effective in reducing soil erosion and nutrient leaching.