Development of Irrigation and Its Impact on Agriculture in Punjab: 1965-66 to 2010-11

Abstract

The major purpose of the present study is to know the development of irrigation in respect of net irrigated area, Gross Irrigated area and sources of irrigation and the effects of irrigation on agriculture in respect of land use pattern, Intensity of cropping, cropping pattern and environmental degradation. For this purpose, the study is divided into two parts; first part deals with the development of irrigation and it is found that extent of irrigation has increased very significantly. It has increased from 59.72 per cent in 1965-66 to 97.9 per cent in 2010-11. The second part highlights the effects of irrigation on agriculture. These effects are noted on Net sown area, Intensity of cropping, changes in cropping pattern, yield of crops and environmental degradation. Some positive impacts are noted on net sown area, intensity of cropping and cropping pattern. On the other hand some negative impacts are noted on sub-soil water, soils and air which are badly effected. On the whole, it is observed that impacts of irrigation on Punjab agriculture are highly appreciable during the period under study.