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Irrigation

What is Irrigation?

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall.

Historical Background

Irrigation has been practiced for thousands of years. In India, ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization used sophisticated irrigation systems. Post-independence, India launched major irrigation projects under the Five-Year Plans to increase agricultural productivity.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Types of irrigation: Surface irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation, Drip irrigation, Subsurface irrigation

  • 2.

    Sources of irrigation: Canals, Wells, Tanks, Rivers

  • 3.

    Importance: Increases agricultural productivity, reduces dependence on rainfall, enables crop diversification

  • 4.

    Government schemes: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to enhance water use efficiency

  • 5.

    Challenges: Waterlogging, Salinity, Uneven distribution of water, High cost of irrigation infrastructure

  • 6.

    Micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation promote water conservation

  • 7.

    Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) program focuses on improving irrigation efficiency

  • 8.

    National Water Policy guides the development and management of water resources

  • 9.

    Irrigation projects are often multi-purpose, including power generation and flood control

Visual Insights

Understanding Irrigation in India

Key aspects of irrigation, its types, and related government schemes.

Irrigation

  • ●Types of Irrigation
  • ●Government Schemes
  • ●Challenges
  • ●Sustainable Practices

Evolution of Irrigation Policy in India

Key milestones in the development of irrigation policies and infrastructure in India.

India's irrigation policies have evolved from large-scale projects to a focus on water use efficiency and sustainable practices.

  • 2010CADWM programme focuses on efficient water management
  • 2015Launch of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
  • 2020Increased focus on micro-irrigation and water conservation techniques
  • 2023Investments in canal modernization and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure
  • 2026Budget 2026: Farm Sector Neglect Sparks Concerns and Debate

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Focus on micro-irrigation and water conservation techniques

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River interlinking projects to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins

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Use of remote sensing and GIS technology for irrigation planning and management

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Emphasis on participatory irrigation management involving farmers

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Increased investment in irrigation infrastructure under PMKSY

Source Topic

Budget 2026: Farm Sector Neglect Sparks Concerns and Debate

Economy

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Geography), GS Paper 3 (Economy and Agriculture). Questions are frequently asked on irrigation types, sources, government schemes, and related challenges.

Understanding Irrigation in India

Key aspects of irrigation, its types, and related government schemes.

Irrigation

Surface, Sprinkler, Drip

PMKSY

Waterlogging, Salinity

Micro-irrigation

Evolution of Irrigation Policy in India

Key milestones in the development of irrigation policies and infrastructure in India.

2010

CADWM programme focuses on efficient water management

2015

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

2020

Increased focus on micro-irrigation and water conservation techniques

2023

Investments in canal modernization and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure

2026

Budget 2026: Farm Sector Neglect Sparks Concerns and Debate

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