Question

What is the importance of irrigation in the Indian economy?

Answer 1

1. India is an agricultural economy; irrigation is essential for its development.
2. Irrigated land yields nearly double the productivity of unirrigated land.
3. Rainfall in India is uncertain and unevenly distributed; irrigation supports crops in low rainfall areas.
4. Crops like paddy, sugarcane, and jute need large, regular water supply.
5. Irrigation enables multiple cropping, increasing annual agricultural output.
6. It supports HYV seeds and chemical fertilizers that require adequate water.
7. Irrigation helps control floods and famines by diverting excess water.
8. Expanding irrigation increases employment by bringing more land under cultivation.
9. Overall, irrigation stabilizes agricultural output and ensures farmer prosperity, vital for India’s economy.