Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Irrigation remains a cornerstone of Indian agriculture, contributing significantly to food security. Despite being one of the largest users of groundwater globally, India’s irrigation system faces numerous challenges hindering its efficiency and sustainability. Historically, irrigation development focused on large-scale projects, but recent emphasis has shifted towards participatory irrigation management (PIM) and water-use efficiency. However, issues like declining groundwater levels, inefficient water distribution, and inadequate maintenance continue to plague the sector, demanding urgent attention and innovative solutions. The National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) launched in 2018 exemplifies the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Major Challenges Faced by Indian Irrigation System
The Indian irrigation system, despite its vast network, grapples with a multitude of challenges:
- Infrastructural Deficiencies: A significant portion of irrigation infrastructure is aging and dilapidated, leading to substantial water losses through seepage and evaporation. Canal networks are often poorly maintained, and many projects suffer from delays and cost overruns.
- Waterlogging and Salinity: Over-irrigation, particularly in canal command areas, leads to waterlogging and soil salinity, rendering vast tracts of land unproductive. This is prevalent in states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Groundwater Depletion: Excessive reliance on groundwater for irrigation, coupled with inefficient water management practices, has led to alarming rates of groundwater depletion in many regions, especially in North-Western India.
- Uneven Water Distribution: Water distribution is often inequitable, with head-end farmers receiving a disproportionate share, leaving tail-end farmers with insufficient water.
- Financial Constraints: Inadequate investment in irrigation infrastructure, coupled with poor cost recovery, hinders the modernization and expansion of the irrigation system.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Lack of coordination between different departments, weak farmer participation, and inadequate capacity building of irrigation officials hamper effective irrigation management.
- Climate Change Impacts: Erratic rainfall patterns and increased frequency of droughts and floods exacerbate water scarcity and disrupt irrigation schedules.
Measures Taken by the Government for Efficient Irrigation Management
The government has implemented several initiatives to address the challenges and improve irrigation management:
1. Command Area Development and Management (CADM) Programme:
Launched in 1974, CADM aims to maximize the utilization of irrigation potential created through major and medium irrigation projects. It focuses on improving water conveyance, distribution, and on-farm water management.
2. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP):
AIBP, launched in 1996, provides financial assistance to states for completing ongoing irrigation projects. It aims to accelerate the completion of these projects and enhance irrigation coverage.
3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
Launched in 2015, PMKSY is a flagship scheme with the motto “Har Khet ko Pani” (Water to Every Field). It has three main components:
- Irrigation Creation: Focuses on bringing more area under irrigation through minor irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
- On-Farm Water Management: Promotes efficient water use through micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) and water conservation techniques.
- Har Khet ko Pani: Aims to provide assured irrigation to every agricultural field.
4. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF):
Established by NABARD in 2018, MIF provides concessional finance to states for promoting micro-irrigation.
5. Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM):
PIM encourages the involvement of water users in the management of irrigation systems, promoting better water allocation and reducing conflicts. Several states have enacted PIM legislation.
6. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):
Launched in 2019, JSA is a campaign to improve water conservation and rainwater harvesting in 159 identified districts facing water stress.
| Scheme/Programme | Key Features | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| PMKSY | Assured irrigation, on-farm water management, irrigation creation | Water use efficiency, increased agricultural productivity |
| CADM | Improving water conveyance and distribution | Optimizing existing irrigation potential |
| PIM | Farmer participation in irrigation management | Equitable water distribution, reduced conflicts |
Conclusion
The Indian irrigation system faces a complex interplay of infrastructural, financial, and managerial challenges. While the government has launched several initiatives like PMKSY and AIBP to address these issues, their effectiveness is hampered by implementation gaps, inadequate funding, and lack of inter-departmental coordination. A holistic approach focusing on water conservation, efficient water use, participatory management, and sustainable groundwater management is crucial for ensuring water security and enhancing agricultural productivity in the long run. Investing in research and development of drought-resistant crops and promoting water-efficient farming practices are also essential steps towards a more resilient and sustainable irrigation system.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.