As many as 1.42 million minor irrigation projects have been added in India as compared to the fifth census conducted in 2013-14, according to the recent report released by the Jal Shakti department of the Water Resources ministry. This is good news for the agriculture sector as it will effectively reduce the dependence on rains for good harvest. If properly maintained, these projects will ensure regular water supply for farming even in dry seasons, boost agriculture in drought-prone regions like Vidarbha and contribute towards the country’s quest for economic development. Ironically, agriculture provides the highest number of employment but its contribution to India’s GDP is low as irrigation facilities are yet to reach every nook and corner of the country.
Besides poor irrigation, most farmers still practise the traditional methods of framing. India’s agriculture output is miserably low due to the failure to use modern equipment or high-yielding seeds, etc. After the success of the ‘Green Revolution’ in the mid-sixties, it was expected to be expanded to various regions of the country. But for reasons best known to our policy makers, no such sincere efforts had been made so far. As a result, farm productivity in India has started declining, making it difficult for the common people to earn their livelihood amid food inflation becoming the order of the day. The scenario has further worsened with global warming, which has made weather unpredictable. As per the latest IMD data, 31 per cent of India is facing a moderate to extreme dryness even at the height of monsoon, indicating that the rain god will not show the same amount of kindness to the country like in the past. So, farmers will have to take concrete steps to overcome the impending challenge.
It appears like the Indian farmers have already started taking measures without waiting for the government to construct dams. Among the Indian states, Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of minor irrigation projects, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These states are also among the top producers of agricultural products in the country. It’s an encouraging trend and it should continue. However, the absence of such facilities in the several parts of the country is astonishing. States in the eastern and northeastern regions also should stress on minor irrigation projects to strengthen the agriculture sector. The way forward for farming is building climate resilience through modern irrigation systems.
