Irrigation in India: a physiological and phenological approach to water management in grain crops

Abstract

Irrigation has been practiced in India since ancient times. A major change required in irrigation development in India is to make it an instrument of high production rather than mere protection, as it has been until recently. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is responsible for developing appropriate recommendations for crop management and production, including irrigation scheduling. The effect of irrigation on crop yield was studied in wheat, rice, sorghum, and other cereals, pulses and oilseeds. In general, the irrigation projects in areas where rainfall is 1000 mm annually or more have poor performance. In drier regions where total rainfall is between 500 and 700 mm annually, irrigation has been successful. Water for the recommended number of irrigation projects, based on the experiments conducted at Research Farms, is not available for many crops in farmers fields. In regions where adequate provision for water has been made, other inputs are not available in required amounts. The effects of irrigation might be further improved if the appropriate stage for irrigation and fertilizer application could both be used. To meet increased food demands by the year 2000, better management of the existing water resources and greater input of fertilizers, pesticides, and improved seeds will be required.