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Water needs to be applied to crops in the exact amount and on time. In this context, irrigation becomes important in order to reduce risks associated with agriculture.
Irrigation is the artificial supply of water to crops for the purpose of agricultural production. There can be various artificial means for supplying water such as canals, wells, tube-wells, tanks etc. which transport water from different sources such as rivers, ponds or underground water.
Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy. 54.6 per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities (census 2011) and it contributes 17 per cent to the country’s Gross Value Added (current price 2015-16, 2011-12 series).