What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

Status of Irrigation in India

1- Since green revolution, cultivation of water intensive crops like Sugarcane, wheat, Rice in Haryan, Punjab, West UP, areas not suited for the crops. These use excessive irrigation. 2- 39 million hectares of irrigation from groundwater annually.

Challenges faced by irrigation

1- Falling groundwater level

• almost 80% of groundwater in North India extracted for irrigation. 2- Power Supply : Irrigation pumps are electricity based, which falls heavy on farmers pocket, govt provides power subsidy. 3- Wastage of Water : Do not practice efficient methods like micro-irrigation to meet water needs. 4- Facility of water pumps lacking especially for small farmers, have to borrow from large farmers.

Measures to mitigate challenges

1- Practise micro-irrigation : Saves water and also efficiently meet demands of crops. 2- To practise climate suitable agriculture pattern : water Intensive crops should be grown in rain-fed areas. 3- River linking projects like Ken-Betwa to be undertaken to meet water demands in areas with low water. 4- Creation of Self Help Groups to facilitate irrigation equipments so that small farmers could benefit.

Thus, Irrigation is the backbone of Indian agriculture & ensure food security. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana must be implemented properly to increase agricultural yield.