What is Irrigation?

Irrigation is the science of the artificial application of water to the land by the 'crop water

requirements throughout the 'crop period' for full-fledged nourishment of the crops (Garg,

1996).

Irrigation is the process of artificially supplying crops with water. This technique is especially
important in areas that receive little rain or irregular rainfall (Definition & Types of Irrigation, 2016).

Furrow Irrigation (Google)

Advantages

• Increases agricultural productivity and allows for multiple cropping during a year provide jobs.

• Reduces the risk of crop failures.

• Higher productivity results in a steady supply of food at lower prices (supplydemand principle of
economics)

• Improves socioeconomic conditions of farmers

Disadvantages

• Excessive irrigation may cause a decrease in crop yield

• Excessive irrigation may cause the leaching of pesticides, insecticides, nitrogen,

and nitrates to groundwater and transport them to surface water systems.

• In poorly drained soils, waterlogging and salinity may occur.

• In poorly maintained canals- excessive seepage may cause waterlogging.

• Excessive groundwater pumping may cause a decrease in groundwater levels

which may damage aquifer structure and increase the risk of land subsidence.