Means of irrigation and its importance

Means of Irrigation and its importance

India is an agricultural country. About seventy per cent of its people depend on agriculture. Watering is essential for the crops. Agriculture is not possible without water. We have to depend on rains for water for our fields, but we do not get rains throughout the year. India gets almost all of its rainfall during the rainy season from June to September. The rainfall is not uniform. Some parts get heavy rainfall. The rivers get flooded and damage the life, property and crops. Some parts get moderate rainfall and some parts are left without rainfall. The rainfall also varies from year to year. In some years we get heavy rainfall, while in some other we do not get sufficient rainfall.

Tanks

Rain water collects in the low lands in the form of tanks and ponds. This is perhaps the oldest means of irrigation in India. This means of irrigation is used in the Deccan Plateau and in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The land is uneven and rocky. It can store water for irrigation. Huge tanks have been constructed for irrigating the land. About 12% of the agricultural land is being irrigated by tanks in India.

Wells

Most of the rain water flows down the rivers and streams. Some of the water gets soaked by the Soil. It goes on collecting on the hard rocky bed under the soil. This underground water is brought to the surface by wells and tube-wells. A large and deep hole is made in the earth’s surface upto the water level. These are known as artesian wells. The water collects in the wells.

This water is used for drinking as well as for irrigating the land. This water is drawn out of the well by means of a pulley, wheel or lever. Various names have been given to the wells with these devices. Persian wheel was used for irrigating the fields for a long time. It is an old device now.

Tube-wells

This is the means of irrigation of about 40% land in the plain areas. A deep bore is made in the earth’s surface upto the water table. A pipe or a tube is fixed in this bore. An electric pump-set or a diesel pump-set is used to pump out water through this tube or pipe. It is known as a tube-well. This is the most commonly used means of irrigation in the Gangetic Plain or the Northern Fertile Plain. The underground water is available there because the land is even and soft. A bore hole can be made easily and electricity is available. Tube-wells are mostly used for irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.

Canals

Canals are a means of irrigation of almost 40% of agricultural land in India. The rivers in the Northern parts of India flow down the Himalayas and have water throughout the year. This water is taken through canals to irrigate the land in far away areas. Canals are used for irrigating the land in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Northern – Rajasthan.

Dams

Dams are huge and high walls, which are built across the rivers to hold water. The water of the river collects in the form of a lake, it is taken through canals to irrigate the fields when required. Such dams have been built across many of the rivers in Northern as well as Southern parts of India. The water in these dams is used to generate electricity. This electricity is then supplied to nearby places. Electricity generated from water is called Hydro-electricity.

Multipurpose Power Projects

There are some 600 projects big and small in India. Some of these projects serve more than one purpose. They control floods, store water for irrigation and generate hydro-electric power. The water of the dam forms a lake, where fish is reared. It is developed as a tourist resort and boating is done. Since they serve a number of purposes, they are known as the Multipurpose Power Projects. Some of the most important multipurpose projects are the Bhakra Nangal Project, Damodar Valley project, Hirakud Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Krishna Sagar Dam, Farakka Barrage, Pong Dam, Thein Dam, Tungbhadra Project, Kosi Project, Sone Canal Project and the Rajasthan Canal Project.

Importance of irrigation

Agriculture is often greatly hampered due to irregular, insufficient or uncertain rain. Proper irrigation systems can secure uninterrupted agriculture.
The productivity of irrigated land is more than the UN-irrigated land. Crop yields everywhere in the developing world are consistently higher in irrigated areas than in rainfed areas¹.
Seeds cannot grow in dry soil as moisture is necessary for the germination of seeds. With the help of irrigation supply, the required moisture content of soil for the Growth of seed can be ensured.
Multiple Cropping in a year is possible through irrigation. This will enhance production & productivity. In many areas of India, two or three crops in a year are cultivated with irrigation facilities.
Through the irrigation, it is possible to supply the required amount of hydrogen & Oxygen, which is important for the proper development of plant root.
A plant can absorb mineral nutrients from the irrigated soil. Thus irrigation is essential for the general growth of the plant.
Bringing more land under cultivation is possible through irrigation.
Insufficient rain may also cause drought & famines. Irrigation can play a protective role during the period of drought & famines.
Irrigation contributes to the economic growth and POVERTY reduction². As income and EMPLOYMENT are closely related to output and irrigation increases production, substantial increase in income is achieved in the countryside.

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growth of crops. It is used to supplement and replenish the natural water cycle. Irrigation helps to improve crop yields, control pests and diseases, and conserve water.

There are many different ways to irrigate crops. The most common methods are surface irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, Drip Irrigation, and micro-irrigation.

Surface irrigation is the oldest and most common method of irrigation. It involves flooding the land with water from a canal, ditch, or river. Surface irrigation is a simple and inexpensive method, but it is not very efficient. A lot of water is lost to Evaporation and runoff.

Sprinkler irrigation is a more efficient method of irrigation. It involves spraying water from sprinklers onto the crops. Sprinkler irrigation can be used on a variety of crops, including row crops, orchards, and vineyards. It is a good option for areas with high evaporation rates.

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigation. It involves delivering water directly to the roots of the Plants through a Network of small pipes. Drip irrigation is a good option for areas with low rainfall and high evaporation rates. It can also be used to irrigate crops in greenhouses and other controlled environments.

Micro-irrigation is a type of drip irrigation that uses very small emitters to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants. Micro-irrigation is a good option for areas with high water tables and low evaporation rates. It can also be used to irrigate crops in sensitive environments, such as wetlands and forests.

Irrigation is a critical part of agriculture. It is essential for food production and for the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. Irrigation helps to improve crop yields, control pests and diseases, and conserve water. However, irrigation can also have negative environmental impacts, such as Water Pollution and soil erosion. It is important to use irrigation practices that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

There are a number of ways to make irrigation more sustainable. One way is to use drip irrigation or micro-irrigation, which are more efficient than surface irrigation. Another way is to use recycled water for irrigation. This can help to reduce the amount of fresh water that is used for irrigation. It is also important to use irrigation practices that conserve water, such as planting drought-tolerant crops and using mulch to reduce evaporation.

Irrigation is a complex and challenging issue. There are many different ways to irrigate crops, and the best way to irrigate crops depends on a number of factors, including the Climate, the soil type, the crop type, and the available water Resources. It is important to choose irrigation practices that are appropriate for the specific situation. Irrigation is a critical part of agriculture, and it is essential for food production and for the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. It is important to use irrigation practices that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

What is irrigation?

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops.

What are the different types of irrigation?

There are many different types of irrigation, but some of the most common include:

Surface irrigation: This is the oldest and most common type of irrigation. It involves flooding the land with water from a canal, ditch, or river.
Sprinkler irrigation: This type of irrigation uses sprinklers to spray water onto the land.
Drip irrigation: This type of irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of small pipes.
Micro-irrigation: This type of irrigation is similar to drip irrigation, but it uses even smaller pipes and emitters.

What are the benefits of irrigation?

Irrigation can provide many benefits, including:

Increased crop yields: Irrigation can help to increase crop yields by providing plants with the water they need to grow.
Improved crop quality: Irrigation can help to improve crop quality by reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Reduced soil erosion: Irrigation can help to reduce soil erosion by preventing the land from becoming too dry.
Increased water efficiency: Irrigation can help to increase water efficiency by using water more effectively.

What are the challenges of irrigation?

Irrigation can also present some challenges, including:

Water scarcity: Irrigation can require a lot of water, which can be a challenge in areas where water is scarce.
Environmental impact: Irrigation can have a negative impact on the Environment, such as by reducing water levels in rivers and streams.
Energy costs: Irrigation can be expensive, as it requires energy to pump water and operate irrigation systems.
Social impact: Irrigation can have a negative impact on local communities, such as by displacing people from their land.

What are the future trends in irrigation?

The future of irrigation is likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including:

The increasing demand for food: The world’s Population is growing, and this will put increasing pressure on the world’s food supply. Irrigation will be needed to increase crop yields to meet this demand.
The need to conserve water: Water is a finite resource, and the need to conserve water will become increasingly important in the future. Irrigation systems will need to be more efficient in order to conserve water.
The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Irrigation systems will need to be designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The need to adapt to Climate Change: Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on agriculture. Irrigation systems will need to be designed to adapt to the effects of climate change.

What are some of the latest innovations in irrigation?

There are a number of recent innovations in irrigation, including:

Drip irrigation: Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants. This type of irrigation is very efficient, as it minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff.
Micro-irrigation: Micro-irrigation is a type of irrigation that uses very small pipes and emitters to deliver water to plants. This type of irrigation is even more efficient than drip irrigation, as it minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff.
Solar-powered irrigation: Solar-powered irrigation systems use solar panels to generate electricity, which is then used to power irrigation pumps. This type of irrigation is sustainable, as it does not require the use of fossil fuels.
Wireless irrigation: Wireless irrigation systems use sensors to monitor soil moisture and plant growth. The data from these sensors is then used to control irrigation systems remotely. This type of irrigation is convenient, as it allows farmers to manage their irrigation systems from anywhere in the world.

What are some of the challenges of implementing new irrigation technologies?

There are a number of challenges associated with implementing new irrigation technologies, including:

The cost of new technologies: New irrigation technologies can be expensive, which can make them difficult for farmers to afford.
The lack of knowledge about new technologies: Many farmers are not familiar with new irrigation technologies, which can make it difficult for them to adopt these technologies.
The lack of support for new technologies: There is often a lack of support for new irrigation technologies, such as from government agencies or financial institutions.
The lack of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE: In some areas, there is not enough infrastructure in place to support new irrigation technologies.

Question 1

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil. It is used to assist in the growing of crops, and to maintain or improve soil quality. Irrigation can be done by a variety of methods, including:

Surface irrigation: This is the most common method of irrigation, and involves spraying water onto the soil surface.
Drip irrigation: This method involves delivering water directly to the roots of plants, through a network of pipes and emitters.
Sprinkler irrigation: This method involves spraying water into the air, and allowing it to fall onto the soil surface.
Subsurface irrigation: This method involves delivering water to the soil below the surface, through a network of pipes.

Irrigation is important for a number of reasons. It can help to increase crop yields, improve soil quality, and reduce the risk of crop failure. Irrigation can also be used to maintain or improve water quality, and to protect the environment.

Question 2

There are a number of different types of irrigation systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of irrigation systems include:

Surface irrigation systems: These systems involve spraying water onto the soil surface. They are the most common type of irrigation system, and are relatively inexpensive to install and operate. However, they can be inefficient, as much of the water can be lost to evaporation or runoff.
Drip irrigation systems: These systems involve delivering water directly to the roots of plants, through a network of pipes and emitters. They are more efficient than surface irrigation systems, as less water is lost to evaporation or runoff. However, they are more expensive to install and operate.
Sprinkler irrigation systems: These systems involve spraying water into the air, and allowing it to fall onto the soil surface. They are similar to surface irrigation systems, but are more efficient as less water is lost to evaporation. However, they can be more expensive to install and operate.
Subsurface irrigation systems: These systems involve delivering water to the soil below the surface, through a network of pipes. They are the most efficient type of irrigation system, as very little water is lost to evaporation or runoff. However, they are also the most expensive to install and operate.

Question 3

The amount of water required for irrigation depends on a number of factors, including the type of crop being grown, the climate, and the soil type. In general, however, most crops require between 2 and 4 inches of water per week.

There are a number of ways to conserve water during irrigation. Some of the most common methods include:

Using drip irrigation systems: Drip irrigation systems are more efficient than surface irrigation systems, as less water is lost to evaporation or runoff.
Using mulch: Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, and can reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation.
Scheduling irrigation: Irrigation should be scheduled according to the needs of the crop, and should not be done more often than necessary.
Repairing leaks: Leaks in irrigation systems can waste a significant amount of water. Leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.

Question 4

Irrigation can have a number of environmental impacts. Some of the most common impacts include:

Water pollution: Irrigation can lead to the contamination of surface water and groundwater with pesticides, Fertilizers, and sediment.
Soil erosion: Irrigation can lead to the erosion of soil, which can contribute to the sedimentation of waterways and the loss of topsoil.
Salinization: Irrigation can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to grow.
Waterlogging: Irrigation can lead to the waterlogging of soils, which can suffocate plants and make them difficult to grow.

Question 5

There are a number of ways to mitigate the environmental impacts of irrigation. Some of the most common methods include:

Using drip irrigation systems: Drip irrigation systems are more efficient than surface irrigation systems, and can help to reduce water pollution.
Using mulch: Mulch helps to reduce soil erosion, and can help to mitigate the salinization of soils.
Using cover crops: Cover crops help to prevent soil erosion, and can help to improve soil quality.
Managing irrigation practices: Irrigation practices should be managed carefully to minimize the risk of waterlogging and salinization.