Irrigation

Irrigation is the process by which controlled amounts of water are supplied using various means such as pipes, ditches, and in many other forms to crops. It helps agricultural crops to gain optimum growth to give surplus yield. Irrigation not only provides water supply to crops whereas it also helps in landscape maintenance and reduces the effect of inadequate rainfall. This article is based on various agricultural activities, their different forms such as drip irrigation systems, sprinkler irrigation and initiatives taken by the government to plan effective irrigation facilities to promote the Indian economy.

Water is needed by all living beings regardless of their species such as animals, human beings, plants. Irrigation provides adequate water to the upper level of soil that is absorbed by plant roots to make food that helps them in growth and crop yielding. A regular supply of water to plants is called irrigation. Means and sources of irrigation vary with time and place.

Types of Irrigation

In a broad spectrum, irrigation can be categorised as natural and artificial irrigation. Natural means of process of supply of water to agricultural crops is done through rainwater. Secondly, artificial irrigation involves all other artificial processes through which water to agricultural crops. Artificial irrigation includes drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and other systems of irrigation. Apart from that, there are traditional methods of irrigation that are based on cattle and human labour. Pulley systems and chain pump systems of irrigation are famous among traditional methods of irrigation. Secondly, modern methods of irrigation consist of sprinkler irrigation and a drip irrigation system. 

Importance of Irrigation

Irrigation not only provides water for plants to grow and produce food whereas it affects the food habits of people. In India, the majority of people depend on agricultural activities. The majority of the Indian population depends upon agricultural activities. However, using various irrigation processes namely drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems control drought and famines by continuous supply of water through artificial means. It increases agricultural crop productivity. 

Sources of Irrigation

Sources of irrigation refer to sources of water for irrigation. Generally, sources of water can be stated as tube wells, motor borings, rivers and canals. 

Drip Irrigation

Drip system of irrigation involves supply of water drop by drop directly to the roots of plants. Due to the provision of water in drop forms, this system of irrigation is called drip irrigation system. Water drips from pipes that are submerged a few inches down in the ground. A small hole is made near the roots of plants that provide water exactly near its root. This system of irrigation is widely accepted and appreciated in regions where water is poorly available. Apart from that, fertilisers and nutrients of soil are not washed in this system of irrigation.

Sprinkler irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation can be elaborated as a system of irrigation in which water is supplied in form of sprinklers to plants. In this form of irrigation, networks of pipes are laid into soil. Perpendicular pipes are attached to the main pipeline that has a rotating nozzle on its top at regular intervals. Water is supplied with a force that enables the rotating nozzle to rotate and in this way, it sprinkles water to crops. It is suitable for all soil types.

Indian government initiative to promote irrigation planning

The Government of India through cabinet extended its “Umbrella scheme” namely “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)” to provide better irrigation facilities, water supply, groundwater and watershed by introducing different development projects till 2026. This government scheme aims to integrate irrigation with latest technology practices of irrigation such as drip irrigation system or sprinkler irrigation to cover more cultivable areas. Irrigation planning is basically under three active projects:

• Increased efficiency of Irrigation Program
• Watershed Management Programme is implemented
• Farm Water programme Project

Conclusion

Irrigation is a major agricultural activity that helps not only farmers but also countries to maintain their socio-economy. This research is based on various agricultural activities such as the drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation that are widely practised in India. This article focuses on artificial application of water to agricultural fields. All irrigation systems aim to assist growth of agricultural crops and plants by maintaining minimum water around the roots of plants.