Changing Pattern of Irrigation Intensity in Haryana: A Geographical Analysis

Abstract

Irrigation has been a central feature of agriculture for some 5,000 years and is a product of many cultures. The process of irrigation helps with the production of crops. Haryana is an agriculturally developed state and the second largest contributor of food grains in India. Irrigation plays a vital role in Haryana’s agricultural development because the state is largely dependent on irrigational facilities as Haryana has no permanent and perennial river system like Punjab. However, the fertile plains of Haryana provide a sound base for agricultural development. Haryana constitutes about 1.4% of India’s total geographical area yet contributes 15% of its agricultural produce, which has grown seven times since the formation of Haryana in 1966. About 86% of the area in the state is arable, and of that, 96% is cultivated. Its irrigation intensity has seen changes over the years, especially after the Green Revolution, due to the presence of canals and other sources, including tube wells. This increasing irrigation intensity is due to certain factors, which need to be highlighted. Therefore, the major objective of the present study is to analyse the patterns of irrigation intensity in Haryana between the time periods of 2004–2005 and 2019– 2020, with the district as the unit of study. It also aims to highlight the factors responsible for the change in irrigation intensity.

Keywords: Changing Pattern, Irrigation Intensity, Agricultural Development, Canals and Tube Wells

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