Indian Agricultural: Growth, Generation, Policy & Problem Indian Agricultural | Page 36

Pg.no. 35
07. Irrigation in India
Irrigation in India includes a network of major and minor canals from Indian rivers, groundwater well
based systems, tanks, and other rainwater harvesting projects for agricultural activities. Of these
groundwater systems is the largest. In 2013-14, only about 47.7% of total agricultural land in India
was reliably irrigated. The largest canal in India is Indira Gandhi Canal, which is about 650 km long.
About 2/3rd cultivated land in India is dependent on monsoons. Irrigation in India helps improve food
security, reduce dependence on monsoons, improve agricultural productivity and create rural job
opportunities. Dams used for irrigation projects help produce electricity and transport facilities, as well
as provide drinking water supplies to a growing population, control floods and prevent droughts.
Ancient India
The Veda mentions only well-style irrigation, where kupa and avata wells once dug are stated to be
always full of water, from which varatra (rope strap) and cakra (wheel) pull kosa (pails) of water. This
water was, state the Vedas, led into surmi susira (broad channels) and from there into khanitrima
(diverting channels) into fields.
Later, the 4th-century BCE Indian scholar Panini, mentions tapping several rivers for irrigation. The
mentioned rivers include Sindhu, Suvastu, Varnu, Sarayu, Vipas and Chandrabhaga. Buddhist texts
from the 3rd century BCE also mention irrigation of crops. Texts from the Maurya Empire era (3rd
century BCE) mention that the state raised revenue from charging farmers for irrigation services from
rivers.
Patanjali, in Yogasutra of about the 4th century CE, explains a technique of yoga by comparing it to
"the way a farmer diverts a stream from an irrigation canal for irrigation". In Tamil Nadu, the Grand
Anicut (canal) across the Kaveri river was implemented in the 3rd century CE, and the basic design is
still used today.
Islamic era
Ramesh Kumar P