Various types of Irrigation methods in India

Various types of Irrigation methods in India

Irrigation is the process of supplying water through artificial methods to cultivate land in the regions of inadequate rainfall. Irrigation helps proper and better use of cultivable land. Irrigation is a catalyst for the agriculture and economic growth of a nation. The different types of irrigation practiced in India are:

1. (a) Well irrigation, (b) Tube well irrigation,

2. Canal Irrigation, and

3. Tank irrigation.

1.(a) Well irrigation:

Well irrigation is a method of irrigation that draws water from wells either using animal power or mechanical methods. This type or irrigation is widely practiced in India. Well irrigation accounts for nearly 40% of the total cultivable land in India. Well irrigation is the most suitable irrigation method for farmer having small land holding. This type of irrigation is possible even in low rainfall areas.

1.(b) Tube well irrigation:

Tube well irrigation is an irrigation method in which water is supplied through the tubes laid in most suitable regions. This type of irrigation is mostly practiced in Peninsular India. Construction of tube wells is the only practicable solution in rocky regions. Tube well irrigation is most suitable irrigation method for farmers having small land holding. In Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states tube well irrigation is the most commonly used irrigation method.

2. Canal irrigation:

Canal irrigation is the method of irrigation in which waters of rivers are taken to the cultivable land areas through canals / (passage). Canal irrigation is widely practiced in northern India where the perennial rivers such as the Sutlej and the Yamuna flow down the northern plains. There are two types of canals, inundation canals and perennial canals.

(a) Inundation canals: Inundation canals are the canals that allow the passage of unregulated water from rivers and lakes. In the states of Punjab and Haryana inundation canals are found.

(b) Perennial canals: Perennial canals are the canals that allow the passage of regulated water with a weir (barrier) system from rivers and or reservoirs. The flow of water is maintained throughout the year. The perennial canals take water from barrages constructed across the perennial rivers. Wherever the level of flow of river water is weak, reservoirs are built. The canals use the waters of the reservoir and divert it to the cultivable field. Perennial canals are constructed in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Jamuna Canal, the Ganga Canal, the Sirhind Canal and the Indira Gandhi Canal are the most important perennial canals constructed in the north Indian states.

3. Tank Irrigation:

Tank irrigation is the oldest irrigation method practiced in India. The method is well suited for the farmers of southern India. The waters of tanks undergo evaporation during summer and soon become dry. Most of the tanks become shallow, and spread water over a long uncultivable area. The tanks themselves occupy large areas of cultivable land. Because of these disadvantages the tank irrigation is not widely practiced now.