Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Irrigation has been the bedrock of Indian agriculture, consistently contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. Post-independence, India embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance irrigated area, transforming from a rain-fed agricultural economy to one increasingly reliant on artificial irrigation. Initially, the focus was on large-scale river valley projects, but later shifted towards groundwater exploitation and micro-irrigation techniques. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, approximately 65% of the net sown area is irrigated, highlighting the significant role of irrigation in Indian agriculture. This answer will examine the changes in irrigated area across different sources and classify irrigation projects based on crucial parameters.
Changes in Irrigated Area Through Different Sources of Irrigation
Before independence, irrigation primarily relied on traditional methods like tanks, wells, and canals. Post-independence, a phased approach was adopted:
Phase 1: Major & Medium Irrigation (1950s - 1970s)
- Focus: Large-scale river valley projects like Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakud, and Tungabhadra.
- Impact: Significant increase in irrigated area, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Irrigated area increased from approximately 23 million hectares in 1950 to around 43 million hectares in 1980.
- Challenges: Displacement of populations, environmental concerns (reduced river flows, sedimentation), and cost overruns.
Phase 2: Groundwater Exploitation (1970s - 1990s)
- Focus: Encouraging groundwater extraction through subsidized electricity for pumping.
- Impact: Rapid expansion of irrigated area, particularly in states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This phase saw an increase in irrigated area to approximately 56 million hectares by 1990.
- Challenges: Over-extraction of groundwater leading to declining water tables, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was established in 1997 to regulate groundwater extraction.
Phase 3: Micro-Irrigation & Water Use Efficiency (1990s - Present)
- Focus: Promoting micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve water use efficiency.
- Impact: Gradual shift towards more efficient irrigation methods, particularly in water-stressed regions. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) launched in 2015, emphasizes ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ (water to every field) and promotes micro-irrigation.
- Challenges: High initial costs of micro-irrigation systems, lack of awareness among farmers, and inadequate technical support.
| Source of Irrigation | Percentage of Irrigated Area (approx.) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Irrigation (Canals, Tanks, Reservoirs) | 34% | Declining |
| Groundwater Irrigation (Wells, Borewells) | 60% | Plateauing/Declining in some regions |
| Micro-Irrigation (Drip, Sprinkler) | 6% | Increasing |
Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023 (Knowledge Cutoff)
Classification of Irrigation Projects
Irrigation projects can be classified based on several criteria:Classification based on Cultivable Command Area
- Major Irrigation Projects: Command area > 10,000 hectares. These are large river valley projects.
- Medium Irrigation Projects: Command area between 2,000 to 10,000 hectares.
- Minor Irrigation Projects: Command area < 2,000 hectares. These include tanks, canals, and groundwater structures.
Classification based on Purpose Served
- Irrigation Projects: Primarily focused on providing water for crop production.
- Flood Control Projects: Designed to mitigate flood damage.
- Hydro-Power Projects: Generate electricity as a secondary benefit. Many river valley projects serve multiple purposes.
- Drinking Water Projects: Provide water for domestic use.
Classification based on Financial Return
- Economically Viable Projects: Generate sufficient revenue to cover costs and provide a return on investment. Often, these are projects with multiple uses (irrigation + power).
- Socially Desirable Projects: Provide benefits to vulnerable populations or address regional disparities, even if they are not financially viable. Often subsidized.
- Non-Viable Projects: Fail to generate sufficient revenue and require government subsidies. These are often projects undertaken due to political considerations.
Case Study: Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada Project)
The Sardar Sarovar Dam, part of the Narmada Valley Project, exemplifies a large-scale irrigation project. It aimed to provide irrigation to over 180,000 hectares and generate 1,400 MW of power. However, it faced significant opposition due to displacement of tribal populations and environmental concerns. The project highlighted the complexities of balancing development with social and environmental considerations, leading to stricter rehabilitation and resettlement policies in subsequent projects.
Conclusion
The evolution of irrigation in India reflects a continuous adaptation to changing needs and challenges. While large-scale river valley projects initially drove irrigation expansion, unsustainable groundwater exploitation necessitated a shift towards micro-irrigation and water use efficiency. Classifying irrigation projects based on command area, purpose, and financial return is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. Future strategies must prioritize sustainable water management practices, promote farmer awareness, and leverage technological advancements to ensure food security and rural prosperity. The PMKSY demonstrates the government's commitment to these goals, but its success depends on effective implementation and community participation.
Answer Length
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