Q13. What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (15M)
Kartavya Desk Staff
India’s agricultural sector, which supports nearly half of the population, faces growing challenges in ensuring efficient irrigation. Despite significant investments in irrigation infrastructure, issues such as water inefficiency, regional disparities, and infrastructure decay persist. The government has initiated several measures to address these challenges.
Challenges faced by indian irrigation system
• Water Scarcity and Over-extraction: Groundwater accounts for 60% of India’s irrigation, leading to critical over-extraction, particularly in northwest India.
E.g. According to the Central Ground Water Board (2023), 230 districts in India face critical groundwater depletion.
• Inefficient Water Use: Traditional flood irrigation methods, which cover 65% of the irrigated area, are inefficient and result in high water wastage.
E.g. NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) (2022) reveals that India’s water-use efficiency remains at a low 38%.
• Poor Maintenance of Irrigation Infrastructure: Many of India’s irrigation canals are poorly maintained, resulting in high seepage losses, clogging, and inadequate water distribution.
E.g. The National Water Development Agency (2022) estimates that 45-50% of canal water is lost due to leakage and seepage.
• Regional Disparities in Irrigation Coverage: Western and northwestern states, like Punjab and Haryana, have well-developed irrigation systems, while eastern regions lag behind.
E.g. Only 20% of the net sown area in West Bengal is irrigated, while over 90% in Punjab (Agricultural Census, 2022).
• Climate Change Impacts: Erratic rainfall patterns and increasing droughts due to climate change are exacerbating the stress on India’s irrigation systems.
E.g. IMD reports show a 40% reduction in normal monsoon rainfall over large parts of central India in 2023.
Measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on “Har Khet Ko Pani” and increasing water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
E.g. PMKSY (2023) has added 13.78 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on climate-resilient agricultural practices, including water management technologies like rainwater harvesting, water-efficient cropping patterns, and integrated watershed development.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Launched to promote water conservation and recharge groundwater through rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
E.g. In 2022-23, over 40,000 water bodies were rejuvenated under the campaign.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states.
E.g. ABHY has led to a 12% increase in groundwater levels in key regions of Maharashtra by 2023.
• Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies: This scheme focuses on reviving traditional water bodies and improving the storage capacity for irrigation.
E.g. Over 4,500 water bodies were restored under RRR between 2021-2023, increasing irrigation potential by 8 lakh hectares (Ministry of Jal Shakti).
• National Water Mission (NWM): Aims to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure more equitable distribution across and within states. The mission also promotes integrated water resource management.
Solutions for efficient irrigation management
• Promote Micro-irrigation Techniques: Expand drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, which can save up to 40% water compared to traditional methods.
*Recommendation*: Mihir Shah Committee (2016) recommends scaling up micro-irrigation to 50% of the total irrigated area.
• Decentralized Water Management: Empower local communities and panchayats to manage and maintain irrigation projects for better accountability and sustainability.
• Enhance Groundwater Recharge: Promote rainwater harvesting and recharge techniques in over-exploited areas.
*Recommendation*: The Central Ground Water Board (2021) advises an expansion of artificial recharge techniques in critical zones.
• Improve Canal Maintenance and Water Distribution: Focus on modernizing and lining canals to reduce water loss.
E.g. Lining canals under the RRR scheme (2022) has resulted in a 20% reduction in water seepage losses.
Conclusion
Sustainable water use and community-based solutions are crucial for long-term agricultural productivity. A balanced approach integrating technological innovation, policy reform, and local participation will ensure water security for future generations.