Progress of irrigation under Five Year plans

Published on 08 Mar 2025

India's irrigation infrastructure has evolved significantly over the past seven decades, primarily through successive Five-Year Plans. Initially focused on large-scale dams and canals, the strategy shifted towards groundwater exploitation and, more recently, micro-irrigation and water conservation.

• Early Five Year Plans (First to Third)

• Dams and Canals: The construction of iconic dams like Bhakra Nangal, Damodar Valley, and Hirakud marked a significant beginning, providing irrigation to vast swathes of Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, and Odisha.

• Increased Irrigated Area: The first three plans saw a substantial increase in irrigated area, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, boosting food grain production.

• Subsequent Five Year Plans (Fourth to Tenth)

• Green Revolution: The focus on groundwater exploitation through tube wells in Punjab and Haryana coincided with the Green Revolution, leading to exponential growth in wheat and rice production.

• Diversification of Sources: States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh emphasized tank irrigation and lift irrigation, respectively, to supplement canal-based systems.

• Technology Adoption: The introduction of high-yielding varieties and fertilizers, coupled with irrigation, led to multiple cropping in Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh.

• Recent Five Year Plans (Eleventh and Twelfth)

• Micro-Irrigation: The emphasis on drip and sprinkler irrigation in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat has significantly improved water use efficiency and crop yields.

• Watershed Development: Programs like the Integrated Watershed Management Programme have focused on rainwater harvesting and soil conservation in hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

• Participatory Approach: The involvement of farmers in irrigation management committees in states like Madhya Pradesh has led to better water distribution and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.

• Post-Five Year Plan Era (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana - PMKSY)

• Per Drop More Crop: The scheme has accelerated the adoption of micro-irrigation in states like Rajasthan, leading to substantial water savings and increased farm incomes.

• Farmer-Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS): The promotion of FMIS in states like Andhra Pradesh has empowered farmers in water management decisions, leading to improved water use efficiency.

Tags:
Economy

Keywords:
Agriculture Irrigation Irrigation under five year plans

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Indian Economy