Some aspects of irrigation system management in India

The role of irrigation in India in expanding crop production, reducing output instability and providing protection against periodic drought has been a major factor in the substantial achievement of Indian agriculture over the past four decades. Irrigated crop yields are, however, only half those obtained elsewhere in Asia and if growth rates are to be maintained in the face of increasing technical, environmental and social limits being placed on the availability of water, the need to increase productivity per unit of water is a key issue. India is now faced with a number of critical choices in irrigation management. The choice lies between a continuation of the present, possibly diminishing, agricultural growth rate, or a widespread reform and renewal of irrigation management practices. Food production in India will become increasingly dependent upon irrigation. Over 55% of agricultural output is from irrigated lands and production from rainfed areas is faced with lack of land for expansion and the prevailing risk of drought. The pricing environment, rural infrastructure and services are also fundamental to agricultural growth, but the resolution of water constraints enabled by irrigation is the key for productive capability.