INTRODUCTION
What is Irrigation?
The process of artificial application of water to the soil for the growth of agricultural crops is
termed as irrigation.
Importance of irrigation in Water Resource Engineering
Water Management: Helps in the efficient utilization and
allocation of water resources. Reduces wastage through
controlled water distribution.
Infrastructure Development: Involves the planning and
construction of canals, reservoirs, dams, and pipelines.
Broader Benefits of Irrigation
Economic Growth: Boosts agricultural production, ensuring stable food supplies.
Improved Living Standards: Supports farmers' incomes and rural development.
Environmental Role: Prevents land degradation by maintaining soil moisture levels. Aids in
combating desertification in arid regions.
OBJECTIVES OF IRRIGATION
1. Ensure Stable Water Supply: Provides water to crops during dry spells or when rainfall is
inadequate. Reduces dependency on unpredictable rainfall.
2. Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Supports higher crop yields and better quality. Allows
the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
3. Facilitate Multiple Cropping: Enables farmers to grow more than one crop in a year by
ensuring water availability year-round. Boosts agricultural income and productivity.
4. Drought Mitigation: Helps in maintaining agricultural activity during prolonged dry periods
or droughts. Ensures food security by protecting crops.
5. Crop Diversification: Promotes the growth of a variety of crops by meeting diverse water
requirements. Supports the economy by allowing farmers to grow high-value crops.
6. Soil Moisture Management: Maintains optimum moisture levels in soil, enhancing its
fertility and preventing degradation.
NECESSITIES OF IRRIGATION
Following are the necessities of irrigation
1.Insufficient Rainfall: When the seasonal rainfall
is less than the minimum requirement for the
satisfactory growth of crops, the irrigation system
is essential.
2. Uneven Rainfall Distribution: Rainfall
patterns are not uniform across different
seasons and regions.
Irrigation balances water
supply, ensuring crops get
water during critical growth
stages.
3. Support for Crop Diversification: Certain crops,
such as sugarcane, paddy, and cotton, require
more water than others. Irrigation allows the
cultivation of water-demanding crops in regions
with limited rainfall.
4. Facilitating Multiple Cropping: Irrigation
supports year-round farming, allowing farmers
to grow more
than one crop annually.
Increases agricultural output
and farmers’ income.
5. Drought Mitigation: Acts as a safety net
during prolonged dry periods or droughts.
Reduces dependency on monsoons,
ensuring food security.
Drought
6. Improvement of Soil Fertility: Maintains soil moisture content, preventing soil hardening
and cracking. Enhances nutrient absorption by crops, leading to better growth.
7. Reduction of Agricultural Risks: Minimizes the risks associated with unpredictable rainfall
or extreme weather conditions. Ensures stable agricultural production.
8. Improvement in Crop Quality: Provides consistent
water supply, leading to uniform crop growth.
Enhances the quality of produce, making it
more marketable.
9. Combating Climate Change Impacts: Helps mitigate the effects of erratic weather
patterns caused by climate change. Stabilizes food production despite changing rainfall
patterns and temperatures.
10. Land Utilization: Converts barren or uncultivated lands into productive agricultural
fields. Supports agriculture in desert and arid regions through advanced irrigation systems.
11. Control of Weed Growth: Proper water distribution reduces weed growth by targeting
only crop root zones (e.g., drip irrigation).
12. Hydropower Generation: Irrigation systems
like canals and reservoirs often double as sources
for hydropower production. Creates dual
benefits: agricultural support and energy
generation.
13. Supporting Livestock and Aquaculture: Provides water for grazing lands and animal
husbandry. Supports integrated farming systems by supplying water for fish farming.
14. Flood Management: Well-managed irrigation
systems can reduce flooding risks by diverting
excess rainwater into reservoirs or canals.
15. Sustainable Water Use: Promotes efficient water management through modern
irrigation techniques (e.g., drip, sprinkler systems).
16. Preventing Soil Erosion: Controlled water application reduces surface runoff, which
prevents topsoil loss.
CONCLUSION
Irrigation is a fundamental component of agriculture and water resource management. It
ensures a stable water supply for crops, enhances food production, and supports economic
growth. By enabling multiple cropping, mitigating drought impacts, and improving soil
fertility, irrigation plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture.
Its necessity arises from the uneven distribution of rainfall, climate change effects, and the
increasing demand for food. Proper irrigation practices not only boost agricultural
productivity but also contribute to environmental conservation and rural development.
In Summary:
Essential for food security and stable crop production.
Helps combat drought and erratic rainfall.
Supports economic growth and rural livelihoods.
Promotes efficient water resource management.
Contributes to environmental sustainability.
Final Thought: "Irrigation is not just a means of watering crops—it is a key driver of
agricultural sustainability, economic prosperity, and environmental balance."
