Irrigation in Drought Prone Areas

Investment in irrigation forms a major part of the strategy of increased agricultural production and rural development in the successive five year plans. This calls for greater efforts on preparation of basinwise regional plans for optimum development of water and related resources, within the national policy framework. There is a greater need for laying stress on economic efficiency in planning, implementation and management of irrigation projects so that the projected benefits to the farmers are achieved. Irrigation planning and management pose problems which are extremely complex. It needs a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach drawing insights and skills from many fields to tackle these complex problems.