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Irrigation in Nepal
Irrigation in Nepal
0 Introduction
Definition of Irrigation:
General :
Water is essential for all living creatures such as animals, we humans and plants. Life is not possible and imagined without water. Without
food we cannot survive for number of days. We get food from the crops. But ,without water crops are not possible. So, water is supplied to
the crop field to provide sufficient moisture in soil through which crop can get fertilizers, minerals and nutrients to have sufficient growth
for getting maximum production. Water is needed for preparation of land during digging and ploughing, to maintain soil temperature, to
dilute minerals, salts and fertilizers as well as for leaching.
Irrigation is the artificial method of supply of water to the crop from the source by constructing the head work for diverting water
to the canal network systems and conveying of water to the field in accordance to the water requirements of crops during their
base periods. Irrigation includes :
i. Training and tapping of sources of water
ii. Storing of water
iii. Conveying that water effectively to the fields (includes drainage of surplus water also)
iv. Supply of water economically for the bumper crop production
Necessity of irrigation:
Irrigation is the supplement to the rainfall. If rainfall is adequate to fulfill the soil moisture deficiency of soil then there is no need of
artificial supply of water. But, natural rainfall / supply of water is not adequate in accordance to the crop’s need at the particular time with
the controlled manner. More water content at the rootzone of soil may produce water logging problem in one hand and less water / or less
rain fall / no rainfall may obstruct the crop/plant growth having less production or may die / dry by drought having no production . Less
water or more water in soil ultimately decreases in production. Hence, to get maximum crop yield adequate level of moisture should be
retained in soil according to its requirements during its growth period / crop period. Irrigation is necessary /required in case of :
a) Non uniformity of rainfall – crop production is in average amount if rainfall occurs/ mix cropping trend / Farmers dis-satisfaction
b) Less rainfall- No crop production / drought may occur / chance of famine / leads to migration problem
c) Possibility for growing yearly crops or high water requiring crops like sugarcane / rice/ other cash crops (Modern farming practice for
getting high production to have contribution in national economy).
Status of irrigation in Nepal
Rise in food production with optimum benefit Cold and wet climate/dampness , cold cough
4 Elimination of mixed cropping / Introduction to cash crops Expensive project, head works ,regulating &
C/D structures, compare to other small projects
as well as its maintenance
5 Communications / inspection roads connects villagers to Water-logging due to seepage / over irrigation /
district / city / towns & markets. rise of salt / ground water source pollution
6 Navigations (ship transportation) / Recreations and Risk of quarrel among farmers for water if there
refreshments is not effective management .
7 Afforestation (increase in timber wealth)/ reduces water Cultivated land is decreased due to coverage of
loss ( Evaporation) networks of canals and ditches
8 Fishery/ hydropower generation / water supply etc. Revenue collection is very less with compare to
its construction cost.
9
Employment opportunity / growth of agro
based industries /