Irrigation – Significance & Challenges – Explained Pointwise

Irrigation is a key agricultural practice that entails the regulated and intentional application of water to plants or crops. It involves adding water to the soil in order to promote plant development and raise agricultural yield. Since ancient times, the method has been utilized to boost crop production and lessen the effects of dry spells or droughts.

Current status of Irrigation in India:

• India is one of the world’s largest irrigated areas, with roughly 68 million hectares (MHa) of gross irrigated area as of 2025.
• About 48% of India’s net sown area is under irrigation, with the remainder depending on rainfall.
• Major crops like wheat and sugarcane have over 90% irrigation coverage, while pulses and oilseeds rely more on rainfed farming.

Sources of Irrigation:

• Groundwater accounts for nearly 63% of irrigated area, making India the largest user of groundwater for irrigation globally.
• Canals contribute about 24%, while tanks, wells, and other sources provide the rest.

Types of Irrigation Systems:

1. Surface Irrigation: This irrigation technique, which involves flooding the entire field or a section of it with water, is the most popular. It is possible for the water to permeate the soil and get to the roots of the crops. Surface irrigation is simple to set up and maintain, but it is inefficient since a lot of water is wasted to evaporation and runoff.
2. Sprinkler Irrigation: In this technique, water is applied to the crops using sprinkler heads. Droplets of water are sprayed and land on the soil’s surface and leaves. Sprinkler irrigation is effective because it minimises water loss from runoff and evaporation. Although it may be used for a variety of crops, it uses a lot of energy to operate.
3. Drip Irrigation: This is a low-pressure irrigation technique that involves the application of water directly to the roots of the crops through a network of tubes and emitters. Drip irrigation is highly efficient as it delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water loss due to evaporation and runoff. It is particularly useful for crops with shallow roots and in areas with limited water availability.
4. Sub-surface Irrigation: Irrigation below the soil’s surface using buried pipes or porous tubes is known as sub-surface irrigation. Sub-surface irrigation is effective because it minimises water loss from evaporation and runoff by delivering water to the plant roots directly. It helps to lessen soil salinity and waterlogging, making it especially beneficial for places with high water tables or saline soils.
5. Center Pivot Irrigation: This method involves the use of a large sprinkler system mounted on a pivot that rotates around a central point to distribute water to crops in a circular pattern. The water is supplied through a pipeline running along the pivot, and the sprinklers distribute water evenly over a large area of land. Center pivot irrigation is efficient as it reduces water loss due to evaporation and runoff and is suitable for crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat that are planted in rows. However, it requires a significant investment in infrastructure and energy to operate.

Need for Irrigation in India:

1. Uneven Distribution of Rainfall: The arrival of the monsoon is uncertain and variable, especially in areas of low rainfall, e.g., Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh (High coefficient of variability). There is also variation in the spatial distribution of rainfall e.g. Meghalaya has much more rainfall than the Thar Desert.
2. Inadequate Coverage: Only 30% of cultivated land receives sufficient rainfall of more than 100cm. In areas of high rainfall, irrigation is necessary to increase farm productivity further. Monsoon gaps (no rain for two or more weeks during the sunny season) may damage crops without irrigation facilities.
3. Seasonal Nature: The monsoon is “seasonal.” 75% of rainfall happens in 3-4 months of the year, and the remaining 8-9 months are marked by a dry season when irrigation is badly needed for growing crops (5 months dry in Kerala, nine months dry in North Western India).
4. Type of Rainfall: Rainfall in most parts of India is torrential and therefore there is less opportunity for soil to absorb water and surface water goes waste. Also, rainwater flows down very quickly along the hill slopes. Certain crops, such as rice, sugarcane, jute, and cotton, require more water and need irrigation even in areas of heavy rainfall.
5. Problem with Monoculture: Irrigation is necessary to end monoculture cropping practices in Indian agriculture. It is also necessary for the socio-economic transformation of rural India by making agriculture variable.
6. Green Revolution: Since the Green Revolution, the introduction of HYV seeds and heavy doses of chemical fertilisers have made irrigation necessary. Sandy and loamy soil can’t retain water like Alluvial and black soil.

Significance of Irrigation:

1. Enhanced agricultural productivity: Regular and reliable water supply promotes optimal plant growth, increases land utilization, and raises per acre yields for food and cash crops. It supports cultivation of water-intensive and high-value crops like wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables, improving farm incomes.
2. Ensure Stable Crop Production: Irrigation shields crops from erratic monsoons and rainfall variability, reducing dependence on rainfed agriculture and stabilizing yields.
3. Improved food security: Irrigation mitigates the risk of crop failure caused by drought or insufficient rainfall, thereby ensuring a stable food supply for local populations.
4. Stimulated economic growth: Through increased agricultural output and productivity, irrigation can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
5. Water storage: Building dams and reservoirs that may be used to store water for irrigation and other uses is a common part of irrigation projects. This will boost infrastructural advancements.
6. Climate resilience: By providing a source of water when rainfall patterns become unpredictable, irrigation can aid farmers in adjusting to climate change. Also prevents deforestation and famine.

Challenges/Limitations related to Irrigation:

1. Over-dependence on Groundwater: Excessive extraction of groundwater—now around 63% of total irrigation use—has led to rapidly falling water tables in several states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP). Unsustainable groundwater use threatens long-term availability and increases costs for small farmers.
2. Inefficient water usage & Water loss: Traditional canal and surface irrigation systems suffer high water loss due to seepage, evaporation, and poor maintenance. Low efficiency means less water reaches crops, especially at tail ends of canal systems.
3. Soil degradation: Overuse of irrigation can cause soil salinization and waterlogging, which can lead to a decline in soil quality and ultimately reduce crop yields over time.
4. Water pollution: Irrigation can lead to contamination of nearby waterbodies due to the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, causing ecological degradation and water pollution.
5. Impact on biodiversity: Irrigation can modify natural water flows, which can disrupt wetlands and other natural habitats, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.
6. Regional Disparities: Western and southern regions enjoy better irrigation coverage, while eastern, central, and northeastern states remain largely rainfed.
7. Socio-economic inequality: While irrigation can benefit some farmers, it can also create disparities between those who have access to irrigation and those who do not, leading to social and economic inequality within the region.

Various government initiatives related to irrigation:

1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):
   • Focuses on “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water to every field) to enhance irrigation coverage.
   • Promotes efficient water use with the slogan “Per Drop More Crop” by encouraging micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) and on-farm water management.
   • Integrates various schemes like Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development (CAD), and other water conservation measures.
2. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP): Provides central assistance for accelerating ongoing major, medium, and minor irrigation projects to improve water storage and distribution capacity.
3. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF):
   • Set up under NABARD with a corpus of ₹5,000 crore to promote adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation nationwide.
   • Encourages private investment and subsidizes equipment to improve water use efficiency.
4. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): A recent scheme focusing specifically on sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas through community participation and demand-side management.
5. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): This initiative promotes the installation of solar pumps for irrigation. It has three components:
   1. Installing standalone solar pumps.
   2. Solarizing existing grid-connected pumps.
   3. Setting up small solar power plants on agricultural land for farmers to sell excess power to the grid.
6. Irrigation Projects:
   1. The Indira Gandhi Canal: The Indira Gandhi Canal, which is located in Rajasthan, is one of India’s biggest irrigation projects. The Sutlej River’s water is diverted through the 600+ km long canal and into the Thar desert. Increased agricultural production is now possible in the desert region thanks to the project’s creation of irrigated land covering more than 1.8 million hectares.(CCA of 5,28,000 ha.)
   2. Narmada Valley Project: In Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the Narmada Valley Project uses water diverted from the Narmada River to irrigate more than 1.7 million hectares of land. Millions of people receive irrigation and drinking water from the project’s numerous dams, canals, and reservoirs. (CCA is 1,46,800 ha.)
   3. Project Krishna Godavari: The Krishna Godavari Basin Project, which is situated in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the country’s greatest river basin projects. In addition to irrigating more than 5 million hectares of land and producing hydroelectric power, the project includes a number of dams, canals, and reservoirs. As part of the project, various cities in the area receive drinking water.(CCA is 3,45,000-5,04,000 ha.)
   4. Sardar Sarovar Project: Located on Gujarat’s Narmada River, the Sardar Sarovar Project serves a variety of purposes. Over 1.8 million hectares of land are irrigated by the project’s several dams, canals, and reservoirs, which also provide hydroelectric power. A number of the region’s cities also receive drinking water from the project.(CCA of 18,45,000 ha). 

Way forward:

1. Promote Water-Use Efficiency and Micro-Irrigation:
   • Scale up adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to conserve water and improve crop water productivity.
   • Provide subsidies, credit support, and technical training to farmers for efficient irrigation technologies.
2. Sustainable Groundwater Management:
   • Implement strict monitoring and regulation of groundwater extraction, especially in overexploited regions.
   • Encourage adoption of water-saving cropping patterns and recharge techniques like rainwater harvesting.
3. Modernise Canal System:
   • Upgrade and maintain canal infrastructure to reduce seepage and improve equitable water delivery.
   • Implement automation and remote sensing technologies for better water control and scheduling.
4. Expand Irrigation Coverage & Equity:
   • Focus on neglected and rainfed regions, especially in Eastern and Northeastern India, to reduce regional disparities.
   • Support small and marginal farmers through community-managed irrigation and participatory water governance.
5. Integrate Climate Resilient Practices:
   • Promote drought-tolerant and less water-intensive crops along with climate-smart water management.
   • Use climate forecasting and advisories to optimize irrigation scheduling.
6. Promote Renewable Energy for Irrigation: Expand use of solar-powered pumps to reduce dependence on grid electricity and diesel, ensuring sustainable, cost-effective irrigation.

Conclusion:
The development and management of irrigation systems in India are pivotal for the sustained growth of the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. By prioritising sustainable irrigation practices, India can enhance agricultural productivity, secure rural livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.