UPPSC 2024

DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Economy

Lecture – 42
Agriculture
 Agriculture
Major Irrigation Systems in India
❖ Irrigation in India plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture, particularly given the reliance on the
monsoon season.
❖ About 60% of the Indian population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, effective irrigation
systems are vital to ensure crop production and food security.
❖ The main types of irrigation systems used in India have evolved significantly, particularly after independence
in 1947, leading to extensive agricultural development.
❖ Monsoon-Dependent Irrigation: Traditionally, Indian agriculture has relied heavily on monsoon rains. This
natural irrigation method is still crucial, especially for rain-fed crops. However, the variability of the monsoon
can lead to droughts or floods, making it an unreliable sole source of irrigation.
Types of Irrigation Systems
Canal Irrigation(24%)
❖ Canal irrigation involves the diversion of river water through a network of canals to agricultural fields.
❖ This system became more prominent after 1947 with the construction of large-scale canal networks.
❖ Notable examples include the Indira Gandhi Canal and the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal..
Wells (17%)
❖ Traditional wells, where water is manually or mechanically lifted from the water table, are still in use,
especially in rural areas.
❖ These are less efficient compared to tube wells but are simpler to construct and maintain.
Tanks (12%)
Tanks are large reservoirs that collect and store rainwater. This stored water is then used for irrigation during dry
periods. Tanks are particularly common in southern India, where they play a crucial role in water conservation and
management.
Tube Wells (46.1%)
❖ Tube wells are a common irrigation method where groundwater is accessed by drilling deep into the earth.
❖ Water is pumped to the surface using electric or diesel pumps. While effective over-reliance on tube wells has
led to the depletion of groundwater levels
Impact of Tube Wells
❖ Decreasing Water Table: The excessive use of tube wells has caused a continuous decline in groundwater
levels, making it increasingly difficult and costly to access water.
❖ High Irrigation Costs: Using tube wells incurs high operational costs due to the energy required to pump
water from deep underground.
Solutions
❖ Precise Irrigation Systems: To minimize water loss, precise irrigation methods such as drip and trickle
irrigation systems are recommended. These systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, significantly
reducing wastage.
❖ Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting can help collect and store rainwater, which can be
used for irrigation during dry seasons. This method reduces the strain on groundwater resources.
❖ Promoting the use of technology: Implementing advanced irrigation technologies can improve efficiency,
conserve water, and reduce costs. Technologies like automated irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors
can optimize water use.
Traditional Irrigation Techniques
Traditional irrigation techniques have been used for centuries to cultivate crops and effectively manage water
resources. These methods are often simple and rely on natural water sources.
Surface Flood Irrigation
❖ Surface flood irrigation involves flooding the entire field with water.
❖ This technique is commonly used in areas where water is abundant.
❖ However, it leads to significant water wastage as water spreads uniformly
across the field, and a large portion is lost to evaporation and runoff.
Challenges
❖ Water Wastage: Surface flood irrigation involves flooding the entire field, leading to significant water
wastage through evaporation and runoff. This inefficient water use can be problematic in areas where water is
scarce.
❖ Uneven Water Distribution: The method often results in uneven water distribution across the field. Some
areas may receive excessive water while others may remain under-irrigated. This can affect crop growth and
yield.
❖ Soil Erosion: The continuous flow of water can cause soil erosion, especially in fields with loose or sandy
soil. Erosion can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is rich in nutrients, thus degrading soil quality over time.
❖ Waterlogging: Excessive irrigation can lead to waterlogging, where the soil
becomes saturated with water. Waterlogged soils can suffocate plant roots,
reducing oxygen availability and affecting plant health and growth.
Border/Basin Irrigation Techniques
❖ Border or basin irrigation divides the field into smaller sections or basins,
which are then flooded with water.
❖ This method allows better control of water distribution and reduces wastage compared to surface flood
irrigation.
❖ It is suitable for areas with gentle slopes and requires a moderate amount of water.
Furrow Irrigation Technique
❖ Furrow irrigation involves creating small channels or furrows between crop rows.
❖ Water flows through these furrows, directly irrigating the root zones of the plants.
❖ This method is more water-efficient than surface flood irrigation as it targets water
delivery to specific areas, minimizing wastage.
❖ Furrow irrigation is suitable for row crops like maize, cotton and sugarcane.
Modern Irrigation Technology
❖ Modern irrigation technology plays a crucial role in agriculture, especially in regions with limited water
availability. These advanced methods help maximize water efficiency, reduce wastage, and ensure precise and
necessary irrigation.
Benefits of Modern Irrigation Technology
❖ Less Water Availability: Modern irrigation systems are designed to work efficiently even with limited water
resources. This is particularly important in areas facing water scarcity, ensuring crops receive adequate
hydration without excessive water use.
❖ Less Water Wastage: Traditional irrigation methods often result in significant water loss through evaporation
and runoff. Modern techniques like drip and micro-irrigation minimize water wastage by delivering water
directly to the plant roots, ensuring maximum absorption and reducing unnecessary water loss.
❖ Precise and Necessary Irrigation: Advanced irrigation systems provide precise control over the amount of
water delivered to crops. This targeted approach ensures that plants receive the exact amount of water they
need at the right time, promoting healthier growth and optimizing resource use.
Drip Irrigation
❖ Drip irrigation is a highly efficient technique that delivers water directly to the
roots of plants through a network of tubes, valves, and emitters.
❖ This precise delivery system minimizes water loss due to evaporation and
runoff, making it particularly beneficial in areas facing water scarcity.
❖ By providing water directly to the root zone, drip irrigation ensures that plants
receive the necessary moisture for optimal growth without wasting water on
non-target areas.
Micro Irrigation
❖ Micro irrigation includes several methods such as micro-sprinklers
and micro-sprayers, which deliver water in controlled quantities.
❖ These systems are designed to deliver water uniformly across a field,
ensuring that each plant receives adequate moisture.
❖ Micro irrigation is especially useful for crops requiring precise water
application and helps in maintaining consistent soil moisture levels,
promoting healthier plant growth.
Sprinkler Irrigation
❖ Sprinkler irrigation distributes water through a system of pipes and
sprinklers, mimicking natural rainfall.
❖ This method is suitable for different types of crops and areas.
❖ It provides uniform water coverage and reduces soil erosion.
❖ Sprinkler systems can be adjusted to deliver varying amounts of water,
making them versatile and effective for different agricultural needs.
❖ By evenly distributing water, sprinkler irrigation helps maintain soil structure and prevents nutrient runoff.
Bamboo Irrigation System
❖ The bamboo irrigation system is an innovative and eco-friendly method
of water management used primarily in the northeastern regions of
India.
❖ This traditional technique harnesses the natural properties of bamboo to
create an efficient and sustainable irrigation system.
❖ In Meghalaya, the bamboo irrigation system is widely used to support
the region's agricultural activities.
❖ The system is particularly beneficial in hilly terrains, where conventional irrigation methods may be less
effective.
❖ The bamboo irrigation technique helps in the efficient distribution of water, ensuring that crops receive
adequate moisture even during dry periods.
Farming System
❖ Farming system refers to the manner in which various agricultural components are organized and managed on
a farm.
❖ It includes various practices and methods used to cultivate crops and raise livestock.
❖ A well-structured farming system ensures efficient use of resources, sustainability, and profitability.
❖ Different regions and communities adopt different farming systems based on their unique environmental
conditions, socio-economic factors, and cultural practices.
Subsistence Farming
❖ Subsistence farming involves small-scale farming primarily to meet the needs of the farmer's family.
❖ Its focus is on growing enough food for the home, with little or no surplus to sell.
❖ This type of farming is typically practiced on marginal land holdings, where the land area is small and not
very fertile.
❖ Subsistence farmers often use traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
❖ These methods are generally simple and less reliant on modern technology.

Comparison of Agricultural Indicators in India and China

Indicator India China Comparison

Irrigation Cover (%) 48 41 India has a higher percentage of irrigated land.

Agricultural R&D Expenditure (billion 1.4 7.8 China significantly outspends India on agricultural
USD) R&D.
Agricultural Output (billion USD) 407 1367 China's agricultural output is more than three times
that of India.

Fertilizer Consumption (kg/ha) (2021) 193.2 374.8 China consumes significantly more fertilizer per
hectare of arable land.

Agricultural Mechanization (%) (2019) 69 45 China's Agricultural Mechanization improves

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